In mid-October 2026, a tanker was attacked in the Persian Gulf approximately 144 kilometres northeast of Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The assault came from a small boat that opened fire with gunfire. The rounds struck the left side of the rear part of the vessel, causing damage. Despite the hits, the crew members were not injured.
The same day, reports described the vessel as being hit by a projectile near Saudi Arabia in the Gulf, placing the incident close to the Strait of Hormuz. That narrow passage is a critical transit point for global oil. The attack has raised concerns about regional tensions and potential impacts on international trade.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations unit (UKMTO) reported that a tanker was attacked by an unknown projectile in the Persian Gulf, 68 nautical miles northeast of Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia. UKMTO noted that the report was delayed, but emphasized that no casualties had occurred and the crew was evacuated. In its advisory, UKMTO urged all ships operating in the area to exercise caution and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities while the incident remained under investigation.
UKMTO noted that the report was delayed, but emphasized that no casualties had occurred and the crew was evacuated.
Following the attack, the vessel’s damage was confined to the left side of the rear part of the ship, and no loss of life was recorded. The crew was evacuated safely. UKMTO advised caution for ships in the area and to report any suspicious activity while the incident is being investigated.