A seafarer has been killed after an explosion, believed to have been caused by a missile strike, hit a Greek-managed oil products tanker in the Persian Gulf.
The incident occurred on Thursday as the Marshall Islands-flagged MT Velos Sapphire was sailing empty towards Bahrain, according to its Greek management company, Velos Tankers.
The crew member was initially reported missing following the explosion but was later found fatally injured on board.
In a statement, Velos Tankers confirmed the death, expressing its deep sadness over the loss of one of its seafarers.
Read more: Greek-Owned Tanker Hit by Drone in Persian Gulf Near Strait of Hormuz
No other crew members were injured. The remaining crew managed to extinguish a fire that broke out following the explosion, while no pollution was reported.
The tanker was subsequently taken to Bahrain’s Khalifa Bin Salman Port, where an investigation into the incident is expected to begin.
The extent of the damage to the vessel’s hull is still being assessed.
The suspected missile attack adds to security concerns for commercial shipping operating in the Persian Gulf, a strategically important maritime route for international energy supplies.
Source: Reuters
