The 32-year-old bulk carrier Luni sank partially off Bandar Abbas, Iran, after reportedly colliding with another vessel days prior.
An aging bulk carrier anchored off the strategically significant shores of Bandar Abbas partially sank after splitting in two for reasons that have yet to be definitively determined. The incident reportedly occurred in a shallow anchorage area in the northern part of the Strait of Hormuz.
The bulk carrier named Luni (IMO: 9070711), flying the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis and with a capacity of 43,000 dwt, is said to have had its hull broken, with its midsection completely submerged. Meanwhile, the bow and stern sections remained above water at a steep angle, while the vessel settled on the seabed in the shallow area where it was located.
No official statement has yet been made regarding the cause of the incident. However, claims circulating within maritime circles suggest that Luni collided with another commercial vessel a few days prior. It is alleged that the collision caused significant structural damage to the hull, leading to the vessel's subsequent splitting and sinking.
These claims have not been verified by independent sources.
Maritime security experts point out that the observed hull fracture could also be consistent with a heavy torpedo attack or a 'Quicksink' type of assault involving high-impact munitions placed beneath the ship's hull.
However, despite recent military activity in the vicinity of Bandar Abbas, there is no official information confirming that Luni was subjected to any attack, nor is there any recorded military incident affecting the vessel.
Experts also note that while it is rare, aging ships can structurally break apart on their own due to improper loading, metal fatigue, or previously sustained serious structural damage. However, such incidents are said to be quite exceptional under calm weather conditions and for vessels at anchor.
Built in 1994 and with a history of 32 years, Luni had significantly exceeded the accepted economic service life for commercial vessels.
The vessel, operating under the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis, which is on the Paris MoU blacklist, is reported to be managed by a company based in Turkey.
It has been reported that serious deficiencies have been identified in Luni's port state inspections for many years, with over 50 deficiencies recorded in inspections conducted in just the last two years.
The exact cause of the incident will become clear following a technical examination and official investigation. So far, there has been no official statement regarding casualties or environmental pollution.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
