A Chinese tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a troubling escalation in maritime security threats in the region.
A Chinese-owned product tanker was attacked off Al Jeer port at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, with its deck catching fire, reported Caixin. The vessel was marked 'CHINA OWNER & CREW,' and sources indicated that this was the first time a Chinese oil tanker had been targeted.
A source familiar with the shipowner told Caixin that the incident was 'psychologically hard to accept,' underscoring the shock within China's shipping community.
The attack was part of a series of assaults on commercial vessels between May 3 and May 4. A 300,000-ton very large crude carrier operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company was struck by two drones while navigating the strait. The United Arab Emirates condemned the strike as an act of piracy.
On May 5, the HMM Namu, a 38,000-ton general cargo ship owned by a South Korean shipping firm, was attacked off Umm Al Quwain port. The strike caused an explosion and fire, forcing the crew to issue a 'MAYDAY' distress call.
