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Two Tankers Burn Off Iraq After Suspected Drone Boat Strike

Basra
Courtesy UKMTO

Published Mar 11, 2026 10:33 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

[Breaking] Two tankers have reportedly been hit by unknown projectiles in the Arabian Gulf, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). 

Two ships were reportedly struck at a position just south of Basrah, within Iraqi waters. Bystander video from a nearby vessel suggests that they were adjacent to each other and potentially engaged in an STS transfer at the time of impact. The video shows a spreading pool of burning oil surrounding the vessels. 

Iraqi authorities identified the vessels as the LR1 tankers Zefyros and Safesea Vishnu. The former is Greek-owned, and the latter is operated by an Indian-linked, U.S.-based shipping company with offices in New Jersey. One was carrying a cargo of gas condensate from the Basrah Gas Company, an Iraqi JV company part-owned by Shell, according to local Shafaq News.

Iraqi Lt. General Saad Maan told Al-Iraqiya News that the attack was an act of sabotage and a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. Six response vessels were dispatched to rescue the survivors from the two tankers, he said.

According to Lt. Gen. Maan, the body of one deceased seafarer was recovered. Local reports indicate that some of the survivors were injured; assessments were still in progress Thursday morning.

The fire has since been extinguished by Iraqi first responders, according to local reports. 

Iraqi authorities say that early signs point to a drone-boat attack. The strike would align with a pattern of Iranian attacks on merchant shipping in the Arabian Gulf; more than a dozen vessels have been hit since February 28, and the number continues to rise. 

This story is developing and will be updated as more information comes in.