Tanker Attacked Off Qatar as Iran Threatens Hormuz Shipping Route
DOHA, QATAR — WEB DESK: A commercial tanker sailing off Qatar’s northern coast has been struck by multiple projectiles, with casualties reported, as renewed threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz intensify concerns about maritime security and global energy supplies.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported that the vessel was attacked on Wednesday approximately 94 kilometres north of Madinat ash Shamal, near Qatar’s northern coastline.
The incident occurred in Gulf waters roughly 500 kilometres west of the Strait of Hormuz, extending concerns about attacks on commercial vessels beyond the strait itself.
The agency said casualties had been reported but did not provide a confirmed number of people killed or injured.
The vessel’s identity, flag state and the origin of the projectiles were not immediately established. Authorities are investigating the incident, and responsibility for the attack remains unclear.
The attack came as Iran threatened to shut down alternative maritime routes being used by vessels to bypass restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials have asserted that Tehran maintains control over the strategically important waterway, through which a substantial share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments traditionally passes.
Shipping activity in the region has faced repeated disruptions since the US-Israeli war with Iran began in February.
Maritime security assessments recorded at least 12 attacks on tankers during the week ending October 5, marking an escalation in threats to vessels transporting oil and gas.
The UKMTO separately recorded nine tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz during October, reflecting a different reporting period and geographical scope.
The latest violence has renewed concerns among shipowners, insurers and energy traders about the safety of Gulf shipping routes.
Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply. Shipping data showed only seven commodity vessels passing through the waterway on October 6, the lowest daily figure in more than two months.
Oil markets also reacted to the escalating security risks, with Brent crude climbing above $100 per barrel as traders assessed potential disruptions to regional supplies.
Despite the dangers, Middle Eastern exporters have continued using alternative routes and shipment arrangements to maintain energy flows.
The tanker attack highlights the growing geographical reach of maritime security threats in the Gulf.
Investigators have not established who carried out the strike, and further information is needed to confirm the vessel’s identity, the full extent of damage and the casualties.
