The 'Grace Romavictor', which had departed from the port of Dakar on Aug 3, 2026, was struck in a drone attack in the Black Sea near the Russian port of Novorossiysk on Aug 31, 2026. A projectile struck the accommodation block, which suffered significant damage. No injuries were reported. The ship was operated bby the Grace Energy Shipping, based in the United Arab Emirates. In November 2023, Scorpio Tankers, a US-based shipping company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, had announced the sale of the tanker, operating under the name 'STI Amber' then, for $33.7 million. A report from the international shipping broker Hartland Shipping for the same period listed the sale price as $33.9 million. The ship changed flag to Liberia after the sale and passed under the Liberian flag.. The Grace Romavictor Shipping Ltd. in iberia was the registered owner and commercial manager, while the Dubai-based Cymare Navigation FZC acted as its safety-management company. The Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense had listed the tanker as being used to transport Russian oil from the port of Primorsk. It was alleged that the ship had carried out shipments in the interests of Russian energy companies Rosneft and Lukoil. It was, however, not under international sanctions.
News
YARA J
On Apr 15, 2017, at 9.30 p.m. the 'Alheera' issued a distress signal, reporting being under pirates attack in the Gulf of Aden off the Yemen coast, 170 miles east of Aden. ´The Chinese Navy frigate 'Yulin' , known for taking part in freeing the cargo m/v 'OS 35' from hijackers some days earlier, happened to be nearest, and rushed to assist. The frigate’s helicopter was deployed to thwart the pirates in position 12 43 N 048 02 E. The vessel was under attack by a small boat with 5 POB, reportedly shots were fired towards the tanker. The pirates aboarted the attack.
TRIFELS
The inland vessel 'River Drone 10' (IMO: 9973638), coming from Moerdijk, and the 'Trifels' (MMSI 211511410) enroute from Hansweert, was in a head-on-collision in Rotterdam's Eemhaven on the afternoon of Oct 13, 2026. There were no injuries. Both ships suffered damage. The 'Trifels' berthed in Flushing, the 'River Drone 10' in the Prins Willem Alexanderhaven in Rotterdam. Report with photos: https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2026/10/14/twee-binnenvaartcontainerschepen-in-aanvaring-in-eemhaven-rotterdam/?gdpr=deny&fbclid=IwT01FWAU8rQpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHvedlt1WhVv-JYrsyD8ekF-g9Vyk0sJAogaHbWTrvR63vq101wSJKid-EX3t_aem_wydcuoGLkh3fUdqsK_Ygpg
LODESTAR WAY
On Oct 12, the 'Lodestar Way', which had been damaged by drones in Sochi, was towed by tugs from Trabzon through the Bosphorus after temporary repairs. The vessel, on which crew injuries had been reported in the attack was pulled through the Bosphorus by the 'Ramazan Bey' (IMO: 721082) of the Pge. Tug & Salvage, which already had taken it to Trabzon accompanied by the 'Kurtarma 6' (IMO: 9463176) and 'Kurtarma 8' (IMO: 9598610), belonging to the General Directorate of Coastal Safety (KEGM). The ship, on which the wheelhouse and parts of the accommodation area completely burnt out, was headed to the Tersan Shipyard in the Yalova region for permanent repairs.
ALFONSO
The tanker 'Angola Prosperity' (IMO: 9896414), operated by Sinokor, was struck by an unknown projectile at the stern, while making an outbound transit of the Strait of Hormuz on Oct 11, 2026 at 12 p.m. UTC. The vessel was believed to have loaded cargo in Saudi Arabia on Oct 8, and it was transiting outbound, when it was struck on the port side. All crew members were reported to be safe. They started to extinguish the blaze with the ship's own systems. The impact had damaged the vessel’s steering gear room and port-side water tank. All crew members were reported safe, and no environmental impact was reported. The tanker subsequently proceeded towards Fujairah anchorage. The Royal Navy-led UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre’s alerts #167, #168 and #169 covered attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, reported retrospectively on Oct 12, including an unidentified India-flagged containership making an inbound transit, the 'Kition M' (IMO: 9321160), making an outbound transit and the Bahamas-flagged crude tanker 'Ever Vict', also outbound. All three vessels were struck by unidentified projectiles on Oct 11. Other vessels were identified as the container ships as 'GFS Pride' (IMO: 9349045), 'GFS Giselle' (IMO: 9704661) and 'Al Saadiyat' (IMO: 9760598). The'GFS Giselle' sustained hull damage but reached a safe anchorage under its own power. All 22 crew members were reported safe. The four attacks brought UKMTO’s tally of warnings to 24 for the month of October to date, as well as three advisories. The 'GFS Pride', enroute from Karachi and carrying 2,500 containers, was struck by a mine and caught fire on Oct 13. It sank one mile east of Ras Makhbuq. The ship had been sailing with AIS switched off since 10 days. The 21 crew members were rescued. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that the vessel struck a naval mine while attempting to use what it described as an unauthorised route. The IRGC also alleged that the ship was carrying contraband. These claims have not been independently verified. The 'Kition M' had been transiting with its AIS inactive, with its last publicly recorded position at Jabal Az Zannah anchorage, UAE, on Oct 6. The precise location of the attack has not been disclosed. All crew members were reported safe, although the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unknown. The same day the tanker 'Alfonso' (IMO: 9256298) was successfully targeted by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The 'Kition M' had been transiting with its AIS inactive, with its last publicly recorded position at Jabal Az Zannah anchorage, UAE, on Oct 6. The precise location of the attack has not been disclosed. All crew members were reported safe, although the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unknown. The same day the 'Alfonso' (IMO: 9256298) was successfully targeted by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The UKMTO #169 corresponded with the 'Ever Vict' (IMO: 9266774), which was struck by an unidentified projectile while outbound about 11.5 nautical miles northwest of Khor Khwair, UAE. The tanker had been operating with its AIS inactive. It resumed transmissions near Khor Khwair on Oct 12 at 4.41 p.m. UTC , proceeding northeast at 1.2 knots. By 6.01 p.m. UTC, it was drifting at about 0.3 knots and broadcasting a navigational status of “not under command”. The condition of the 'Ever Vict'’s crew, the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unconfirmed. Photos: https://x.com/MenchOsint/status/2110307435499934091
JOHN K
Oman’s Maritime Security Centre medically evacuated an injured seafarer from the 'John K', enroute from Port Qasim to Richards Bay on the evening of Oct 12, 2026, following an engine room fire approximately 44 nautical miles off the South Al Batinah governorate. An Omani Royal Air Force helicopter carried out the medevac in coordination with the MRCC and hoisted the injured seafarer aboard for medical treatment ashore. The ship was NUC in pos. 24° 34' N 057° 41' E as of Oct 13. In a separate development, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it had received a “time-late” report from a verified source indicating that a container vessel was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting inbound through the Strait of Hormuz on Oct. 11. The exact time of the incident remained unconfirmed, and the authorities have launched an investigation into the attack. UKMTO advised vessels to transit with caution and report suspicious activity. It was not established whether the fire aboard the 'John K' and the projectile strike were related.
EVER VICT
The Royal Navy-led UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre’s alerts #167, #168 and #169 covered attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, reported retrospectively on Oct 12, including an unidentified India-flagged containership making an inbound transit, the 'Kition M', making an outbound transit and the Bahamas-flagged crude tanker 'Ever Vict', also outbound. All three vessels were struck by unidentified projectiles on Oct 11. Social media accounts were circulating reports of the Singapore-flagged container ship 'GFS Pride' (IMO: 9349045) being on fire and drifting near Ras Makhbuq. The 'Kition M' had been transiting with its AIS inactive, with its last publicly recorded position at Jabal Az Zannah anchorage, UAE, on Oct 6. The precise location of the attack has not been disclosed. All crew members were reported safe, although the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unknown. The UKMTO #169 corresponded with the 'Ever Vict' (IMO: 9266774), which was struck by an unidentified projectile while outbound about 11.5 nautical miles northwest of Khor Khwair, UAE. The tanker had been operating with its AIS inactive. It resumed transmissions near Khor Khwair on Oct 12 at 4.41 p.m. UTC , proceeding northeast at 1.2 knots. By 6.01 p.m. UTC, it was drifting at about 0.3 knots and broadcasting a navigational status of “not under command”. The condition of the 'Ever Vict'’s crew, the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unconfirmed. On Oct 11, at 12 p.m. UTC, the Liberia-flagged crude tanker 'Angola Prosperity' (IMO: 9896414) was struck on its port side by an unidentified projectile at 1200 UTC while making an outbound transit. The impact damaged the vessel’s steering gear room and port-side water tank. All crew members were reported safe, and no environmental impact was reported. The tanker subsequently proceeded towards Fujairah anchorage.
YARA J
On Oct 14, 2026, at 8:25 p.m., the MRCC of the Romanian Naval Authority was notified of a fire, caused by a drone impact, on board the 'Yara J', which was located approximately nine nautical miles southeast of Sulina. The ship was not carrying cargo and was to be loaded in the Danube ports. The tanker was coming from Turkey and was about to enter the Sulina Canal. At the time of the incident, it was waiting for favourable weather conditions for the transit. The radar surveillance system of the Ministry of National Defense had detected a group of air targets off the Black Sea on the evening. At 8:04 p.m., two air targets entered the national airspace, and subsequently, radar contact with one of the targets was lost over the sea, making it possible that the ship was hit by the lost drone. The Romanian maritime rescue agency (ARSVOM) was immediately notified and dispatched the SAR vessel 'Apollo' at 08.31 p.m. to the scene to provide assistance. The tanker's crew successfully extinguished the fire, and no injuries were reported. The crew consisted of 17 seafarers of Syrian, Indian, and Iranian nationalities. After bringing the fire under control, the tanker weighed anchor and began sailing towards the port of Constanța.
GENESIS
An investigation was underway into the grounding of the 'Génesis' of Basoñas Ma off Hoy. The probe into the incident was carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Its Regulatory Compliance Investigations Team — which handles law enforcement activities — is looking into the grounding of the Spanish-owned, UK-flagged vessel. Meanwhile, a team of marine accident investigators have been in Orkney to carry out a preliminary assessment into the grounding. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch was still gathering evidence. A decision on whether to launch a full probe will be made once this has been reviewed. Debris continued washing ashore on Orkney’s west shores and beaches. Members of the public who find material from the stricken vessel have been asked to report this to Orkney Islands Council (OIC) and would arrange collection where required. As of Oct 12, there have been no reports of pollution from the grounded vessel. The diesel oil on board was reported as minimal. Members of the public who encountered debris from the fishing vessel were asked to report it to recycling@orkney.gov.uk. After the grounding, four Spanish crew members have returned home, and another 13 seafarers from Indonesia were repatriated with the help of their national embassy.
RIVER DRONE 10
The 'River Drone 10', coming from Moerdijk, and the inland vessel 'Trifels' (MMSI 211511410), enroute from Hansweert, was in a head-on-collision in Rotterdam's Eemhaven on the afternoon of Oct 13, 2026. There were no injuries. Both ships suffered damage. The 'Trifels' berthed in Flushing, the 'River Drone 10' in the Prins Willem Alexanderhaven in Rotterdam. Report with photos: https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2026/10/14/twee-binnenvaartcontainerschepen-in-aanvaring-in-eemhaven-rotterdam/?gdpr=deny&fbclid=IwT01FWAU8rQpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHvedlt1WhVv-JYrsyD8ekF-g9Vyk0sJAogaHbWTrvR63vq101wSJKid-EX3t_aem_wydcuoGLkh3fUdqsK_Ygpg
GFS GISELLE
The Royal Navy-led UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre’s alerts #167, #168 and #169 covered attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, reported retrospectively on Oct 12, including an unidentified India-flagged containership making an inbound transit, the 'Kition M' (IMO: 9321160), making an outbound transit and the Bahamas-flagged crude tanker 'Ever Vict' (IMO: 9266774), also outbound. All three vessels were struck by unidentified projectiles on Oct 11. Other vessels were identified as the container ships as 'GFS Pride' (IMO: 9349045), 'GFS Giselle' (IMO: 9704661) and 'Al Saadiyat' (IMO: 9760598). The'GFS Giselle' sustained hull damage but reached a safe anchorage under its own power. All 22 crew members were reported safe. The four attacks brought UKMTO’s tally of warnings to 24 for the month of October to date, as well as three advisories. The 'GFS Pride', enroute from Karachi and carrying 2,500 containers, was struck by a mine and caught fire on Oct 13. It sank one mile east of Ras Makhbuq. The ship had been sailing with AIS switched off since 10 days. The 21 crew members were rescued. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that the vessel struck a naval mine while attempting to use what it described as an unauthorised route. The IRGC also alleged that the ship was carrying contraband. These claims have not been independently verified. The 'Kition M' had been transiting with its AIS inactive, with its last publicly recorded position at Jabal Az Zannah anchorage, UAE, on Oct 6. The precise location of the attack has not been disclosed. All crew members were reported safe, although the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unknown. The same day the tanker 'Alfonso' (IMO: 9256298) was successfully targeted by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The 'Kition M' had been transiting with its AIS inactive, with its last publicly recorded position at Jabal Az Zannah anchorage, UAE, on Oct 6. The precise location of the attack has not been disclosed. All crew members were reported safe, although the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unknown. The UKMTO #169 corresponded with the 'Ever Vict' (IMO: 9266774), which was struck by an unidentified projectile while outbound about 11.5 nautical miles northwest of Khor Khwair, UAE. The tanker had been operating with its AIS inactive. It resumed transmissions near Khor Khwair on Oct 12 at 4.41 p.m. UTC , proceeding northeast at 1.2 knots. By 6.01 p.m. UTC, it was drifting at about 0.3 knots and broadcasting a navigational status of “not under command”. The condition of the 'Ever Vict'’s crew, the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unconfirmed. On Oct 11, at 12 p.m. UTC, the Liberia-flagged crude tanker 'Angola Prosperity' (IMO: 9896414) was struck on its port side by an unidentified projectile at 1200 UTC while making an outbound transit. The impact damaged the vessel’s steering gear room and port-side water tank. All crew members were reported safe, and no environmental impact was reported. The tanker subsequently proceeded towards Fujairah anchorage.
ANGOLA PROSPERITY
The 'Angola Prosperity', operated by Sinokor, was struck by an unknown projectile at the stern, while making an outbound transit of the Strait of Hormuz on Oct 11, 2026 at 12 p.m. UTC. The vessel was believed to have loaded cargo in Saudi Arabia on Oct 8, and it was transiting outbound, when it was struck on the port side. All crew members were reported to be safe. They started to extinguish the blaze with the ship's own systems. The impact had damaged the vessel’s steering gear room and port-side water tank. All crew members were reported safe, and no environmental impact was reported. The tanker subsequently proceeded towards Fujairah anchorage. The Royal Navy-led UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre’s alerts #167, #168 and #169 covered attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, reported retrospectively on Oct 12, including an unidentified India-flagged containership making an inbound transit, the 'Kition M' (IMO: 9321160), making an outbound transit and the Bahamas-flagged crude tanker 'Ever Vict', also outbound. All three vessels were struck by unidentified projectiles on Oct 11. Other vessels were identified as the container ships 'GFS Pride' (IMO: 9349045), 'GFS Giselle' (IMO: 9704661) and 'Al Saadiyat' (IMO: 9760598). The 'GFS Giselle' sustained hull damage but reached a safe anchorage under its own power. All 22 crew members were reported safe. The four attacks brought UKMTO’s tally of warnings to 24 for the month of October to date, as well as three advisories. The 'GFS Pride', enroute from Karachi and carrying 2,500 containers, was struck by a mine and caught fire on Oct 13. It sank one mile east of Ras Makhbuq. The ship had been sailing with AIS switched off since 10 days. The 21 crew members were rescued. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that the vessel struck a naval mine while attempting to use what it described as an unauthorised route. The IRGC also alleged that the ship was carrying contraband. These claims have not been independently verified. The 'Kition M' had been transiting with its AIS inactive, with its last publicly recorded position at Jabal Az Zannah anchorage, UAE, on Oct 6. The precise location of the attack has not been disclosed. All crew members were reported safe, although the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unknown. The same day the tanker 'Alfonso' (IMO: 9256298) was successfully targeted by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The 'Kition M' had been transiting with its AIS inactive, with its last publicly recorded position at Jabal Az Zannah anchorage, UAE, on Oct 6. The precise location of the attack has not been disclosed. All crew members were reported safe, although the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unknown. The UKMTO #169 corresponded with the 'Ever Vict' (IMO: 9266774), which was struck by an unidentified projectile while outbound about 11.5 nautical miles northwest of Khor Khwair, UAE. The tanker had been operating with its AIS inactive. It resumed transmissions near Khor Khwair on Oct 12 at 4.41 p.m. UTC , proceeding northeast at 1.2 knots. By 6.01 p.m. UTC, it was drifting at about 0.3 knots and broadcasting a navigational status of “not under command”. The condition of the 'Ever Vict'’s crew, the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unconfirmed.
HELPR 1
On Oct 11, 2026, the Solomon Islands authorities deployed the 'Helpr 1' to the disabled ferry 'Awka' (IMO: 9146766), which had been adrift since Oct 9 after an engine failure between Tikopia and Vanikoro, leaving only its electricity generator operational. The ship was drifting in rough seas since. The patrol boat 'Gizo' (IMO: 4734142) of the Royal Solomon Islands took the disabled ferry in tow at midnight. All 73 people on board were suppored in a coordinated operation with air support from France and Australia, and regional logistical assistance. Australian and French military aircraft located the ferry and dropped emergency supplies after passengers raised the alarm using on-board internet services powered by the vessel’s auxiliary generator. Rescuers transferred passengers and crew from the 'Awka' to the 'Helpr 1' before taking them to Vanikoro, Temotu Province, on Oct 12, where they received basic assistance. The local authorities prepared to transfer the passengers to Lat. The cargo m/v 'Sunnine 3' (IMO: 9246293) diverted from its route from Nantong to Suva in order to deliver food, water, and essential supplies to them. The 'Awka' arrived in Vanikoro under tow on Oct 13.
WIND DEDICATION
Seaway 7 has confirmed the sale of the 'Seaway Moxie' to the Danish offshore accommodation and project services company CBED, founded in 2008 as a subsidiary of C-bed Holding A/S within The Monjasa Group, which has renamed it 'Wind Dedication'. The vessel had been in service since 2014. The sale reflected the company's continued focus on its core offshore wind installation activities, while providing greater flexibility to source support vessel capacity according to the requirements of individual projects. Despite the transaction, the 'Seaway Moxie' was to continue supporting Seaway 7's existing commitments and was expected to remain on contract with the company until early 2028. The ship berthed in Eemshaven on Oct 9, 2026.
KEY FJORD
The 'Key Fjord' suffered engine problems on Oct 13 west of Bremanger and had to stop for repairs. Initially the tug 'VB Sløvag' (IMO: 8414817) was deployed to assist the ship in stormy weather conditions, but had to abort the assistance due to the strong winds. Next the tug 'Boa Balder' (IMO: 9462342) headed to the tanker and took it in tow to Ålesund, where it arrived on Oct 14. Report with photo: https://www.smp.no/nyheter/n/Qg87nQ/skip-i-drift-slepebaat-paa-veg?fbclid=Iwb21leAU9UKxjbGNrBT1QqmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHBkb2YFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEeTMr6qxjSxtNvco4ZuoUjbWYIrhzKGObidrFIuGLbL5qc9aJAt9xuZMxzQXY_aem_uctOoc9d8VN5qUKSNzgNAg
EVER VICT
The 'Ever Vict', which was involved in U.S.-escorted oil movements in recent months, has reappeared on AIS near the Strait of Hormuz. The latest reported update showed that the vessel was drifting and broadcasting “Not Under Command" on Oct 13, 2026. The reason for its condition remained unclear.
GRACE ROMAVICTOR
The 'STI Amber' was boarded by robbers in position 17 02 24.0 N, 82 26 06.0 E, at the Kakinada anchorage on Nov 17, 2018, at 10.15 p.m. The robbers stole vessel's stores and escaped. The theft was discovered during the next routine rounds. Kakinada port control, the Indian Coast Guard and the vessel's agents were informed about the incident.
AL SAADIYAT
The Royal Navy-led UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre’s alerts #167, #168 and #169 covered attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, reported retrospectively on Oct 12, including an unidentified India-flagged containership making an inbound transit, the 'Kition M' (IMO: 9321160), making an outbound transit and the Bahamas-flagged crude tanker 'Ever Vict' (IMO: 9266774), also outbound. All three vessels were struck by unidentified projectiles on Oct 11. Other vessels were identified as the container ships as 'GFS Pride' (IMO: 9349045), 'GFS Giselle' (IMO: 9704661) and 'Al Saadiyat' (IMO: 9760598). The'GFS Giselle' sustained hull damage but reached a safe anchorage under its own power. All 22 crew members were reported safe. The four attacks brought UKMTO’s tally of warnings to 24 for the month of October to date, as well as three advisories. The 'GFS Pride', enroute from Karachi and carrying 2,500 containers, was struck by a mine and caught fire on Oct 13. It sank one mile east of Ras Makhbuq. The ship had been sailing with AIS switched off since 10 days. The 21 crew members were rescued. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that the vessel struck a naval mine while attempting to use what it described as an unauthorised route. The IRGC also alleged that the ship was carrying contraband. These claims have not been independently verified. The 'Kition M' had been transiting with its AIS inactive, with its last publicly recorded position at Jabal Az Zannah anchorage, UAE, on Oct 6. The precise location of the attack has not been disclosed. All crew members were reported safe, although the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unknown. The same day the tanker 'Alfonso' (IMO: 9256298) was successfully targeted by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The 'Kition M' had been transiting with its AIS inactive, with its last publicly recorded position at Jabal Az Zannah anchorage, UAE, on Oct 6. The precise location of the attack has not been disclosed. All crew members were reported safe, although the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unknown. The UKMTO #169 corresponded with the 'Ever Vict' (IMO: 9266774), which was struck by an unidentified projectile while outbound about 11.5 nautical miles northwest of Khor Khwair, UAE. The tanker had been operating with its AIS inactive. It resumed transmissions near Khor Khwair on Oct 12 at 4.41 p.m. UTC , proceeding northeast at 1.2 knots. By 6.01 p.m. UTC, it was drifting at about 0.3 knots and broadcasting a navigational status of “not under command”. The condition of the 'Ever Vict'’s crew, the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unconfirmed. On Oct 11, at 12 p.m. UTC, the Liberia-flagged crude tanker 'Angola Prosperity' (IMO: 9896414) was struck on its port side by an unidentified projectile at 1200 UTC while making an outbound transit. The impact damaged the vessel’s steering gear room and port-side water tank. All crew members were reported safe, and no environmental impact was reported. The tanker subsequently proceeded towards Fujairah anchorage.
KITION M
The Royal Navy-led UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre’s alerts #167, #168 and #169 covered attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, reported retrospectively on Oct 12, including an unidentified India-flagged containership making an inbound transit, the 'Kition M', making an outbound transit and the Bahamas-flagged crude tanker 'Ever Vict', also outbound. All three vessels were struck by unidentified projectiles on Oct 11. The vessels were identified as the container ships as 'GFS Pride' (IMO: 9349045), 'GFS Giselle' (IMO: 9704661) and 'Al Saadiyat' (IMO: 9760598). The'GFS Giselle' sustained hull damage but reached a safe anchorage under its own power. All 22 crew members were reported safe. The four attacks brought UKMTO’s tally of warnings to 24 for the month of October to date, as well as three advisories. The 'GFS Pride', enroute from Karachi and carrying 2,500 containers, was struck by a mine and caught fire on Oct 13. It sank one mile east of Ras Makhbuq. The ship had been sailing with AIS switched off since 10 days. The 21 crew members were rescued. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that the vessel struck a naval mine while attempting to use what it described as an unauthorised route. The IRGC also alleged that the ship was carrying contraband. These claims have not been independently verified. The 'Kition M' had been transiting with its AIS inactive, with its last publicly recorded position at Jabal Az Zannah anchorage, UAE, on Oct 6. The precise location of the attack has not been disclosed. All crew members were reported safe, although the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unknown. The same day the tanker 'Alfonso' (IMO: 9256298) was successfully targeted by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The 'Kition M' had been transiting with its AIS inactive, with its last publicly recorded position at Jabal Az Zannah anchorage, UAE, on Oct 6. The precise location of the attack has not been disclosed. All crew members were reported safe, although the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unknown. The UKMTO #169 corresponded with the 'Ever Vict' (IMO: 9266774), which was struck by an unidentified projectile while outbound about 11.5 nautical miles northwest of Khor Khwair, UAE. The tanker had been operating with its AIS inactive. It resumed transmissions near Khor Khwair on Oct 12 at 4.41 p.m. UTC , proceeding northeast at 1.2 knots. By 6.01 p.m. UTC, it was drifting at about 0.3 knots and broadcasting a navigational status of “not under command”. The condition of the 'Ever Vict'’s crew, the extent of damage and any environmental impact remained unconfirmed. On Oct 11, at 12 p.m. UTC, the Liberia-flagged crude tanker 'Angola Prosperity' (IMO: 9896414) was struck on its port side by an unidentified projectile at 1200 UTC while making an outbound transit. The impact damaged the vessel’s steering gear room and port-side water tank. All crew members were reported safe, and no environmental impact was reported. The tanker subsequently proceeded towards Fujairah anchorage.
HMM PLATINUM
The 'HMM Platinum', with 24 crew members on board, was located off Madagascar on Oct 12, 2026, after a fire had interrupted its voyage from Kattupalli to Santos on the morning of Oct 7. All crew members were safe, and no injuries have been reported. On Oct 13 the fire fighting winded down, after it had entered the final dampening-down stage. The vessel sought a South African port of refuge, with its onward voyage disrupted. UK-based marine claims services firm W.E. Cox Claims Group has reported that the salvage company SMIT was engaged under Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF). The firm expected potentially significant damage and considered a general average declaration likely, bringing possible financial and security requirements for cargo interests alongside the disruption to deliveries. Marine and transit claims consultancy WK Webster reported that the fire occurred within a container, while the vessel was navigating off Lavanono, on Madagascar’s southern coast. On Oct 8 it was reported that approximately 2,300 containers were aboard. Although the firm warned that damage could be significant, no confirmed tally of affected containers or quantified assessment of the vessel and cargo losses has been published in the notices. The ship’s propulsion and navigation systems were operating normally. Durban was initially identified as the intended port of refuge. W.E. Cox’s 7 October notice gave an expected ETA as of Oct 8, but its next update said the vessel was looking for an alternative port, potentially Port Elizabeth, now known as Gqeberha. On Oct 10, the ship was southwest of Madagascar at a speed of 2.7 knots and the navigational status “not under command”, while Durban remained entered as the destination. The vessel was therefore still offshore in that reported position, rather than alongside at a refuge port. Investigations into the cause and damage, as well as decisions on the vessel’s destination, were to proceed once the fire was fully extinguished. The ship had left Kattupalli on Sep 27 enroute to Santos. Before that, it had called at Qingdao, Busan, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Singapore.

