Two oil tankers faced attack in Iraqi waters on Wednesday night, with one vessel reportedly carrying over 20 Georgian crew members. Reuters reported the incident, citing multiple sources, suggesting explosive-laden boats originating from Iran conducted the assault. Iraqi port officials identified the targeted tankers as Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros.
An Indian crew member aboard Safesea Vishnu, a US-owned Marshall Islands-flagged ship, was confirmed dead by the Indian embassy in Iraq. Zefyros, a Malta-flagged Greek-owned vessel, had a crew including Georgian members, estimated at 22 by Kathimerini. RFE/RL’s Georgian service stated the number was 23, noting the Georgian captain was also on board.
A Georgian crew member’s spouse assured Batumelebi that her husband and the other sailors were safe, currently on land awaiting paperwork and passports for their return. The State Oil Marketing Company (SOMO) of Iraq indicated the attacks occurred during ship-to-ship loading within Iraqi territorial waters. Precise crew numbers and nationalities remain uncertain.
A company boat rescued 25 crew members from both vessels. The Georgian Foreign Ministry and the Maritime Transport Agency have not yet responded to inquiries. Shipping in the Gulf has been disrupted due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and US–Israel forces, which began on February 28th.
Iran has targeted vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz, asserting it will prevent oil shipments to the US, Israel, and their allies. Azerbaijan’s economy, heavily reliant on oil and gas, is affected by the volatile energy markets created by the situation in Iraqi waters.
Topics: #iraqi #waters #iran
