Umm Qasar, Iraq. Two foreign tankers carrying Iraqi fuel oil were attacked within Iraq’s territorial waters, causing both vessels to catch fire in the Persian Gulf, according to an Iraqi port official and the vessels’ manager.
Attack during ship-to-ship transfer
The Zefyros tanker was hit by an unknown projectile during a ship-to-ship transfer with oil tanker Safesea Vishnu at Iraq’s Umm Qasar anchorage, the vessel’s Greece based manager Benetech Shipping SA said on Thursday.
The incident took place at 2341 local time on March 11.
Crew evacuated and vessel assessment underway
“All 23 crew members are safe and accounted for. They have been evacuated and were brought to shore,” Benetech Shipping said in a statement, adding the vessel’s condition was being assessed.
An Iraqi port official said a total of 25 crewmembers onboard the vessels had been evacuated.
What do you think should happen next to improve safety for crews during ship-to-ship transfers at anchorages?