Two Tankers Attacked Northeast of Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia
PERSIAN GULF — On October 16, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received reports of two separate attacks on tankers northeast of Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia, with all crew reported safe.
The first incident involved an unknown projectile striking a tanker at 9:00 AM UTC, approximately 68 nautical miles (78 miles, 126 km) northeast of Al Jubayl.
The company security officer reported the crew safe and evacuated, with no environmental impact at the time of the report. Authorities are investigating.
In a separate attack the same day, the master of a tanker reported an attack by a rocket-propelled grenade from a small boat at 7:22 PM UTC, approximately 78 nautical miles (90 miles, 144 km) northeast of Al Jubayl.
The attack resulted in damage to the aft port quarter. The crew were accounted for and reported safe, while a complete damage assessment and environmental impact remained unknown at the time of the report. Authorities are investigating.
Location
The incidents occurred in the Persian Gulf, northeast of Al Jubayl (also known as Jubail), Saudi Arabia, a major industrial port on the eastern coast.
Reported Attacks on Tankers
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On October 16 at 9:00 AM UTC, UKMTO received a time-late report of a tanker struck by an unknown projectile 68 nautical miles northeast of Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia, with crew safe and evacuated and no reported environmental impact.
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On October 16 at 7:22 PM UTC, UKMTO received a report from the master of a tanker attacked by an RPG from a small boat 78 nautical miles northeast of Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia, causing damage to the aft port quarter, with crew safe and damage assessment and environmental impact unknown.
Official Statements
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United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, Warning 175-26, October 16: “UKMTO has received a report of an incident 78NM northeast of Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia. The Master of a tanker has reported being attacked by an RPG from a small boat, resulting in damage to the aft port quarter. Crew are accounted for and reported safe. A complete damage assessment and environmental impact are unknown at time of report. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO, whilst authorities investigate.”
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United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, Warning 174-26, October 16: “UKMTO has received a time-late report of an incident 68NM northeast of Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia of a tanker stuck by an unknown projectile. All crew are reported safe and have been evacuated. There is no reported environmental impact at time of report. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO while authorities are investigating.”
