Several vessels in Gulf waters have reportedly come under attack in incidents believed to involve explosive-laden Iranian boats, leaving fuel tankers damaged and one crew member dead, according to officials and maritime monitoring agencies.
Two oil tankers were struck near Basra in Iraqi waters. The first vessel, Safesea Vishnu, a US-owned tanker sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was en route to India when it was hit. The second tanker, Zefyros, owned by a Greek company and sailing under the Maltese flag, was travelling toward another Iraqi port when it was targeted.
According to Indian authorities, Safesea Vishnu was rammed by a white unmanned speedboat loaded with explosives, triggering a large fire onboard. One crew member was killed in the incident, while the remaining crew were rescued safely.
Photos of Thai crew members aboard the cargo ship Mayuree Naree have emerged after the vessel was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Thai-flagged ship had departed Khalifa Port in the UAE on 11 March before coming under attack. Ship owner Precious Shipping said three crew… pic.twitter.com/XMD1YF9K4e
— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) March 12, 2026
A third vessel, the China-owned and Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Source Blessing, was also reportedly attacked. The ship was struck closer to the Strait of Hormuz near the United Arab Emirates, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors security in the region.
At the time of the incident, the vessel had transmitted “China Owner” through its tracking system, a signal some ships have adopted during the conflict in hopes of avoiding being targeted.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported, citing two sources, that Iran had deployed around a dozen naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump said American forces had already destroyed 28 Iranian mine-laying vessels, warning Tehran of severe consequences if it attempts to block the critical global shipping route.
