US-flagged tanker hit in Bahrain port – Reuters

A US-flagged tanker Stena Imperative has been attacked in the port of Bahrain, sparking a fire on board. The crew members have not been injured.

Source: Reuters

Details: Stena Imperative was hit by two projectiles early in the morning in the port of Bahrain.

The fire on board was extinguished. All crew members are safe and have been evacuated from the vessel.

Quote: "It is the first known US-flagged vessel to be damaged since the US and Israeli airstrikes began on Iran on Saturday [28 February], prompting heavy retaliatory attacks by Tehran on Gulf countries and Israel."

More details: The ship's owner, the company Stena Bulk, did not respond to a request for comment.

The Stena Imperative last reported its location on 28 February, when US attacks on Iran began, Reuters said.

Background:

• Earlier, an oil tanker believed to be under US sanctions for helping Iran export fuel was attacked off Oman's northern coast.
• Shipping data showed at least 150 tankers anchored in the Persian Gulf beyond the Strait of Hormuz, with dozens more waiting on the other side of the strait, after US and Israeli strikes on Iran caused disruption across the region.
• It was also reported earlier that Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for Middle East oil supplies.
• The US Navy declared a "maritime warning zone" in the Persian Gulf and warned it could not guarantee the safety of commercial shipping.
• On 28 February the US, together with Israel, carried out strikes on Iran.

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