Offshore tug Selat Storm struck in Strait of Hormuz on November 1

Offshore tug Selat Storm was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on November 1 at approximately 1500 UTC, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations. The UAE-owned vessel, an offshore tug and supply ship of approximately 1,300 deadweight tonnes, was located northwest of the Musandam Peninsula at the time of the incident. AIS data showed the tug had departed Al Hamriyah, UAE, where it had been berthed for several weeks prior to the incident.

Vessel Status and Distress Call#

The master of a passing vessel received a mayday call from Selat Storm and relayed it to authorities, security consultancy Vanguard Tech reported. The tug was reported to be partially sinking following the strike. The status of the vessel's crew was not disclosed in available reports. The incident occurred in the same waterway where the Dutch-flagged tug JIF Barracuda was hit by a projectile on October 18.

Concurrent Tanker Strike Reported#

A tanker was struck by two projectiles near Saudi Arabia on the same day, UK Maritime Trade Operations reported at 0731 hours on November 2. The location was given as near Saudi Arabian waters. No vessel identification or crew status was provided in the initial advisory. The advisory was issued approximately sixteen hours after the Selat Storm incident in the Strait of Hormuz.

Strait Transit Conditions#

At least four tankers were reported disabled or damaged in the strait since the preceding Thursday, according to a list maintained by EOS Risk Group. The count included VLCC Arnazah, Suezmax Riti, Suezmax Louise 1 and product tanker Stone. The number of vessels requiring assistance in the waterway has increased salvage towing demand in the area, though the specific activities of Selat Storm and JIF Barracuda at the time of their respective strikes were not reported.

Regional Energy Vessel Incidents#

Qatari-owned LNG carrier Al Mayeda was struck on October 27 while carrying gas cargo for Pakistani utilities, security sources confirmed. The vessel had received safe-passage approval from Iranian regulators hours before the attack at approximately 1800 UTC. The ship's accommodations block was hit by a projectile, causing a fire, but the crew was reported safe. Operator Nakilat stated in a stock exchange filing that the vessel was in safe condition and operational. The strike occurred approximately 40 nautical miles south of Laval Island.