Saudi Arabia: Tanker Sidra hit in security incident while passing through Hormuz

The Saudi National Marine Transport Company, known as “Al-Bahri,” announced that the tanker Sidr was involved in a security incident while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on August 31. In a statement on Wednesday, the company added that the incident resulted in the deaths of two Filipino sailors. It clarified that it maintains continuous contact with the vessel and is coordinating closely with relevant authorities and parties in the maritime sector, while closely monitoring developments. The company stated, “The safety and well-being of Al-Bahri employees remain a top priority, and the company is committed to operating in accordance with the highest standards of safety, security, and environmental protection.”

This development comes as the United States launched a series of air strikes on targets in Iran on Tuesday night, prompting Iran to retaliate in the most serious escalation of the conflict between the two countries in weeks. The latest exchange of strikes followed an escalation in combat operations over the weekend, the first since July, and came after attacks on two oil tankers departing the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, which further disrupted oil supplies and forced traders to seek alternative crude shipments.