Crew safe as MR tanker struck by projectile off Qatar

A MEDIUM-RANGE product tanker has been struck by projectiles while anchored north of Ras Laffan, Qatar, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations.

The 47,900 dwt Aqua 1 (IMO: 9573660), which is understood to be owned by United Arab Emirates-based owners and is chartered to Qatar Energy, was in ballast condition at the time of the incident.

The vessel’s shipmanager, Thome Ship Management, confirmed that the tanker was hit on its port side, sustaining damage above the waterline.

According to UKMTO reports, two projectiles struck the vessel. One detonated on impact, igniting a fire on board, while the second failed to explode and remains lodged in the engine room.

The crew successfully extinguished the fire, and all 23 Filipino seafarers onboard have been reported safe, with no injuries.

Authorities also confirmed that there has been no environmental impact resulting from the incident.

An investigation is underway to determine the nature of the attack, with early indications suggesting the possibility of debris from an intercepted weapon.

The incident follows a separate strike on Kuwait Oil Tanker Co’s very large crude carrier Al Salmi (IMO: 9534793) a day earlier.

The vessel was reportedly hit by suspected Iranian drones, approximately 31 nautical miles off Dubai while fully laden, causing a fire that has since been contained.