Iranian strike sets VLCC Al Salmi on fire off Dubai

A fully laden VLCC Al Salmi, operated by Kuwait Petroleum Company, caught fire after an Iranian strike at anchorage off the coast of Dubai early Tuesday, raising concerns about possible environmental risks and regional shipping security, Maritime Executive reports. A projectile struck the tanker’s starboard side and damaged the hull while the vessel was carrying crude oil cargo.

The attack occurred at about 0010 local time. UKMTO confirmed the impact location on the tanker. Despite the scale of the incident, all 24 crewmembers remained safe and authorities reported no injuries.

Emergency response teams quickly arrived at the scene and brought the fire under control later the same morning. Specialists are now assessing the extent of structural damage while the shipowner monitors the situation to reduce any potential pollution threat. The tanker was reportedly fully laden at the time of the strike.

The incident marks another escalation in attacks targeting merchant shipping across the wider Arabian Gulf corridor. Although global attention often centers on the Strait of Hormuz, many recent strikes have taken place elsewhere along the roughly 1,000-nautical-mile navigation route stretching from Iraq to Oman, increasing risks for commercial tanker traffic in the region.

 

Picture: tonny driessen