Tanker Crew Evacuated After Strike Off Saudi Coast

A crude oil tanker, identified by security agency Vanguard as the Marshall Islands-flagged Safeen Principal, was forced to evacuate its crew after being struck by an “unknown projectile” off the coast of Saudi Arabia on Friday. The incident occurred 68 nautical miles from Jubail, where the vessel reportedly suffered an engine-room fire and a subsequent loss of power. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that all crew members are reported safe.

In a separate incident on Friday, another ship in the same vicinity was targeted by a rocket-propelled grenade. Authorities confirmed that the crew of that vessel was also reported safe. These attacks take place amidst ongoing tensions as Iran continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Prior to the conflict that erupted following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, approximately one-fifth of global oil exports traveled through this vital waterway. With the region currently experiencing a period of heightened conflict, global oil prices have seen a significant increase.