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UKMTO says seven Hormuz tanker attacks recorded in a week
UKMTO said at least seven tankers were attacked in and around the Strait of Hormuz in the week to 11 November, including one strike that injured several crew members. The incidents underline the severe threat to shipping in the strait and come as vessel traffic remains well below pre-war levels.
Eight incidents were reported: three vessels continued their voyages, three required assistance and two had unknown outcomes; none was reported sunk. The latest attack struck a tanker’s engine room 14 nautical miles northwest of Ras al-Khaimah on 11 November, prompting the crew’s evacuation. UKMTO recorded 139 outbound and 169 inbound transits, while reporting no Red Sea attacks since 24 August and 163 conflict-related incidents since 28 February.
In short
- Seven tanker attacks were reported in a week around Hormuz.
- One strike injured crew and led to an evacuation.
- Hormuz traffic remained far below pre-war levels.
Explained simply
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea route between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, linking the Gulf to the open ocean. Tankers use it to carry oil and other goods, so disruption can affect shipping well beyond the region.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre, known as UKMTO, collects reports about security incidents involving ships. Tankers are large vessels that carry liquid cargo, and attacks can damage ships, endanger crews and make companies more cautious about using the route.
The strait is a key passage for global energy trade, and vessel traffic there remains below levels seen before the war. The reported incidents add to concerns about the risks to commercial shipping and the people working aboard it.