Iran's Revolutionary Guard attacks the Athe Nova tanker, escalating maritime tensions after US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it attacked the bitumen tanker Athe Nova off Khor Fakkan, marking at least the sixth tanker strike in two days following US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, reported Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.
The Athe Nova, a Honduran-flagged vessel managed in the UAE, was hit by two drones after allegedly attempting an 'illegal' crossing of the Strait of Hormuz, according to the IRGC-affiliated outlet Tasnim. Shipping data firm Windward stated that the tanker showed distress signals before the strike.
Built in 1998, the 28-year-old tanker has a long record of inspection failures. Port state control inspectors have found deficiencies on every boarding since 2015, including hatch, lifeboat, and electrical safety issues. The vessel last underwent inspection in India in 2023.
The Athe Nova has previously called at Iranian and Omani ports and is linked to Iranian energy shipping interests. Other recent reported Iranian attacks include strikes on the crude tanker MKD Vyom, Hercules Star, Sea La Donna, the US-flagged Stena Imperative, and the Greek-owned Ocean Electra. Regional agencies said an exact tally of incidents may take time.
