Armed Group Boards Tanzania-Flagged Tanker Off Yemen as South Korean Navy Responds
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LONDON, July 17, Saudi Arabia Breaking News — Armed personnel boarded a Tanzania-flagged oil and chemical tanker off Yemen on Friday, prompting a South Korean naval vessel to travel toward the ship to provide assistance.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations issued an alert saying a vessel had been boarded by “unauthorized personnel,” citing military authorities.
British maritime security company Ambrey identified those involved as armed members of a suspected pirate group.
UKMTO advised other vessels in the area to “transit with caution.”
No connection between the suspected pirates and Iran has been established.
Tehran has repeatedly warned that it could expand disruption of oil shipping routes beyond the Strait of Hormuz if US strikes against Iran continue.
Saudi Arabia has routed almost all its crude exports through Red Sea terminals since traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was effectively halted.
In a separate incident, a tanker was struck by an “unknown projectile” in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman on Thursday, UKMTO said.
The projectile caused minor structural damage, but no crew members were injured. The vessel was able to continue its journey.
