Tanker Attacked With Rocket-Propelled Grenade Off Saudi Arabia, UKMTO Says

An oil tanker was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launched from a small boat about 78 nautical miles northeast of Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Saturday, October 17.

The tanker sustained damage in the aft port quarter, the area in the rear portion of the ship on its port side, but the entire crew was found safe, UKMTO added.

The extent of the damage and environmental impact were still unknown at the time of reporting.

UKMTO urged mariners operating in the region to exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious activities as investigations are ongoing.

The tanker attack was reported amid heightened tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi group.

Earlier in the week, the Houthis announced the launch of an extensive missile and drone campaign against various infrastructure targets in Saudi Arabia.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement broadcast by the group’s Al-Masirah TV channel that the operation targeted Saudi Aramco facilities in Dhahran, in the Eastern Province, King Khalid International Airport and an Aramco refinery in Riyadh.

Sarea said the operation involved a large number of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones. He claimed the weapons struck their targets, causing damage and fires. The supplied information does not independently verify those claims.

He described the operation as retaliation for Saudi-led coalition strikes on Sanaa, the Houthi-held Yemeni capital, and other areas under the group’s control. Sarea also claimed Saudi-led forces had carried out 2,281 air and missile strikes since the latest escalation began.

There is no information provided by UKMTO that would link the tanker attack to the operation of the Houthis.

UKMTO said the tanker’s master reported the attack by a small boat and damage to the aft port quarter. The crew were safe, but a complete assessment of the vessel’s condition and the possible environmental consequences had not been completed.

The advisory did not mention which tanker had been attacked, which flag it has and or specify the nationality of the crew. Besides, there is no information regarding the attackers or the weapon except that it was a rocket-propelled grenade.

Authorities have launched an investigation of the incident. UKMTO urged ships in the area to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity.

References: UKMTO, Iranintl