Two tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz on a southeasterly course were attacked on Thursday, sparking condemnation across the maritime industry.
The two vessels involved were the crude oil tanker Front Altair and the chemical tanker Kokuka Courageous. Both crews have abandoned ship after explosions occurred on the vessels.
Front Altair is Marshall Islands-flagged, and Kokua Courageous Panama-flagged. The Front Altair is believed to be carrying 75,000 tons of Naptha originating from Abu Dhabi’s ANDOC. The Kokuka Courageous is believed to be carrying methanol, originating from Saudi’s Sabic and also Qatar.
Unconfirmed reports have been received by Dryad Global sources indicating that vessels from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were the first vessels on the scene to offer assistance. It is believed that this assistance was refused by the crew of the Front Altair, however unconfirmed reporting indicates that the crew of the Kokuka Couragous may have been taken to the Iranian Port of Bandar-e-Jask.
Both vessels appear to have indicated that they believe the attack originated from the surface. However further reports from the Front Altair indicate that the hull was breached on the starboard side partially below the waterline, reports Dryad Maritime.
Read full article here
