The LOUISE 1 tanker was attacked by mines in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire but no injuries, highlighting rising maritime threats.
A Panama-flagged oil tanker named LOUISE 1 experienced a serious security incident in the Strait of Hormuz due to the explosion of two explosives placed on its hull. The tanker, which caught fire in the engine room, temporarily lost its maneuverability. It was reported that the crew is safe and the vessel has resumed its course.
Attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz have taken on a new dimension. The Panama-flagged crude oil tanker LOUISE 1 was attacked by a mine while sailing approximately 25 nautical miles (46 kilometers) northeast of Khasab, Oman, on Thursday, October 29.
According to a report by Reuters dated October 30, a small boat approached the tanker and placed two magnetic adhesive mines on the vessel's hull. The explosion of the explosives caused a fire in the engine room, and the ship became temporarily immobilized.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the fire has been extinguished, all crew members are safe, and no environmental pollution occurred as a result of the incident. It was stated that the tanker resumed sailing after necessary interventions and is heading towards its next port.
New method of attack: Mines placed on the ship's hull
The most striking aspect of the attack was that the explosives were placed directly on the hull of the ship, rather than being launched by missile or drone.
According to information provided by UKMTO, a small boat approached the tanker from the port side and placed two explosive devices on the hull section above the waterline.
Marisks, a maritime security company based in Greece, noted that the ability for small boats to approach a large tanker while it is underway constitutes a serious security vulnerability.
The company's assessment emphasized that the low cost and easy availability of such mines increase the risks, particularly in the heavily trafficked Strait of Hormuz.
Maritime security sources speaking to Reuters reported that this incident marks the first successful attack using adhesive mines in the region since the war between the U.S. and Iran began in February 2026.
The same tanker was also hit in the Black Sea in July.
It has been revealed that the LOUISE 1 tanker has been targeted previously.
According to reports from Reuters, the tanker was attacked by Ukrainian maritime drones in the Black Sea in July 2026.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed at that time that the vessel was being used to transport Russian oil and was part of a shadow fleet operating to sustain Moscow's oil exports.
In maritime databases, the operator of the tanker is listed as the Panama-based Aquarius Maritime Ventures. Reuters reported that it was unable to reach company officials for comments.
Security alert in Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic transit point for global oil transportation, has become one of the regions where attacks on commercial vessels have intensified in recent months.
According to data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported by Seatrade Maritime News, 34 attacks targeting commercial vessels in the region were confirmed between September 28 and October 27.
The latest incident demonstrated that, in addition to missile and drone attacks, the method of placing explosives on ship hulls from small boats poses a serious threat.
No party has yet claimed responsibility for the attack on LOUISE 1.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
