Update: 13-09-2019 2100 hrs

The attack happened in the Gulf of Oman, off the coast of Iran.

Iranian News Agency has reported that the “Front Altair’ has sunk.

13-06-2019: At position 25-26.0N 057-22.4E, vessel ‘Front Altair’ was attacked by a torpedo, and is on fire. Another vessel “Kokuka Courageous’ was also attacked.

‘Front Altair’ is a 110,000 dwt tanker operated by Frontline Ltd. It’s crew were forced to abandon the vessel and have been rescued by ‘Hyundai Dubai’ which was in the vicinity and no injuries have been reported.

Front Altair on fire

img courtesy: Whatsapp

‘Kokuka Courageous’, a chemical tanker operated by Bernard Schulte, was also hit by a torpedo and it now has a breach in the hull above the waterline. The crew have been reported safe with one minor injury reported.

Passageway of Front Altair when it was attacked.

img courtesy:Marinetraffic.com

Just over a month ago, 4 ships were sabotaged in a mine attack off Fujairah. The incident was being investigated and a report submitted to the UN Security Council had noted that “While investigations are still ongoing, these facts are strong indications that the four attacks were part of a sophisticated and coordinated operation carried out by an actor with significant operational capacity, most likely a state actor”.

One can only hope that quick and punitive action is taken to find and punish the so-called ‘state actors’ who threaten the lives of innocent seamen in their political pursuits.