A missile strike on a UAE tug assisting the Safeen Prestige in the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in at least four fatalities and several injuries.
A UAE-registered tug assisting the abandoned container ship Safeen Prestige was struck by missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, killing at least four crew members, reports the UK's Seatrade Maritime News.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that the Mussafah 2 was hit by projectiles while helping the stricken vessel six nautical miles north of Oman. Maritime security firm Vanguard Tech confirmed that the tug was struck by two missiles, resulting in at least four fatalities and three severe injuries.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez condemned the attack, expressing condolences to the families affected and the maritime community. The Safeen Prestige, a 1,740-TEU feeder ship, had been abandoned after being hit on March 4, which caused a fire in the engine room.
The Mussafah 2 is managed by Abu Dhabi Marine Serv Safeen and owned by Abu Dhabi Ports. Safeen is the marine services brand of Abu Dhabi Ports and also operates the regional container carrier Safeen Feeders.
The Safeen Prestige is owned by Transmar International Shipping of Abu Dhabi. Its crew abandoned the vessel after the missile strike but were reported safe and uninjured.
