Attacks on Ships in Hormuz Strait Surge in October, Reports UKMTO
The UKMTO reports a significant rise in attacks on ships in the Hormuz Strait, marking October as the worst month since conflict escalated.
London, October 31 (Daily Kiran) : The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has revealed concerning statistics regarding maritime security in October. The agency reported approximately 35 attacks on vessels in the Gulf and the Hormuz Strait during the month. This surge follows the initiation of joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel against Iran in February, making October the most dangerous month for shipping in the region since the conflict began. March was the second worst month, with around 30 incidents recorded.
In a recent statement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that four ships were set ablaze in the Hormuz Strait and its vicinity on Friday. The UKMTO confirmed one attack that day, detailing that a vessel south of Iran’s Lavan Island was struck by a projectile, resulting in a fire onboard.
The UKMTO reported that in the week ending October 28, 122 ships departed the Hormuz Strait, while 155 vessels arrived. Although this represents about a 70% decrease compared to levels before the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, it is an increase from the previous week’s figures of 114 outbound and 127 inbound ships.
During this period, the agency documented three attacks in the Strait. Notably, the incidents reported by the IRGC involving the four tankers on Friday were not included in the UKMTO’s data. According to the agency, one ship continued its journey, another required assistance, while the status of a third vessel remains unclear.
Since the conflict escalated on February 28, there have been at least 144 attacks in the Hormuz Strait, the Gulf of Aden, and the Oman Sea. Among these, an attack on the oil tanker MT Louis 1, carrying 27 Indian crew members, occurred on Friday. The Panama-flagged tanker was targeted with two limpet mines, but the crew managed to extinguish the fire in the engine room.
Indian Minister Sarbananda Sonowal shared updates on social media, confirming that all crew members were safe and unharmed. He also referenced an attack on October 29 involving the Liberia-flagged VLCC MT Arjanah, which had two Indian nationals aboard, who were reported safe as well.
