Second Tanker Attacked Off Saudi Arabia’s Jubail in Same Area

RIYADH, Oct 17 : Two tankers were attacked in separate incidents off Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast, with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reporting that one vessel was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade fired from a small boat.

The latest incident occurred at 1922 GMT on Friday, approximately 78 nautical miles (144 kilometres) northeast of Al Jubail, according to a UKMTO advisory issued Saturday.

The vessel’s master reported that the tanker was attacked with a rocket-propelled grenade launched from a small boat, damaging the ship’s aft port quarter.

All crew members were accounted for and reported safe, UKMTO said.

A full assessment of the damage and any potential environmental impact was not immediately available.

Authorities are investigating the incident. Other vessels operating in the area have been advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.

Earlier on Saturday, UKMTO reported a separate incident involving another tanker approximately 68 nautical miles (126 kilometres) northeast of Al Jubail.

The vessel was struck by an unknown projectile on Friday, according to the maritime security agency.

All crew members were safely evacuated, and no environmental impact was reported in that incident.

The two attacks raise fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping off Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast, a strategically important area for regional oil exports and international maritime traffic.

The perpetrators and motives behind the incidents had not been established at the time of reporting.