DUBAI — Two tankers managed by Greek shipping company Dynacom Tankers were struck by projectiles of unknown origin while sailing off the coast of Oman, the company said on Tuesday, in the latest attacks on commercial shipping amid escalating regional tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Dynacom said the Malta-flagged tanker Kavomaleas was hit by two projectiles, triggering a fire in its engine room and forcing the crew to abandon the vessel after onboard fire suppression systems were activated. Oman's authorities later located all crew members and transferred them safely ashore, the company said.
The company said a second managed vessel, Acheloos, was also struck by projectiles at about the same time. No casualties were reported, and Dynacom said it remained in close contact with regional authorities as the incidents were investigated. The origin of the projectiles has not been independently verified, and no party had officially claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors security in regional waters, said it had received reports from a tanker stating it had been hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. UKMTO said the vessel's crew had abandoned ship and were in a lifeboat before assistance arrived.
The incidents occurred as renewed fighting involving the United States and Iran heightened security risks along one of the world's most important energy shipping routes. Maritime industry officials have reported increasing caution among shipowners and charterers operating near the Strait of Hormuz, where attacks on commercial vessels have disrupted traffic and raised insurance costs.
Shipping data showed vessel movements through the strait have declined in recent days, with fewer crude oil and liquefied natural gas carriers transiting the waterway as operators reassess security conditions. Analysts said the latest attacks could further discourage commercial traffic if the security situation deteriorates.
Regional authorities have not released findings on the circumstances of the attacks, and investigations remain ongoing. Dynacom said it was continuing to cooperate with the relevant maritime and government agencies while monitoring the condition of its vessels.
