Zefyros Tanker Struck by Projectile During Ship-to-Ship Transfer Off Iraq
The Malta-flagged tanker Zefyros was struck by an unknown projectile during a ship-to-ship transfer operation off Iraq late on March 11, forcing the evacuation of all 23 crew members. According to a statement by the vessel’s manager Benetech Shipping SA, the strike occurred at 23:41 local time at the Umm Qasr anchorage while Zefyros was conducting a transfer operation with the tanker Safesea Vishnu.
The incident resulted in the evacuation of all crew members, who were safely brought to shore. The condition of the vessel is currently being assessed. A maritime security warning reported that two tankers located about 5 nautical miles south of Al Basrah in Iraqi territorial waters were hit by an unknown projectile, with fires reported on board both vessels.
Vessel Details and Operations
Zefyros had been carrying condensate products from Basra Gas Company and was operating in the ship-to-ship loading area within Iraqi territorial waters when the strike occurred. The tanker had been scheduled to enter Khor Al-Zubair Port on March 12 for additional loading. Benetech Shipping SA, a Greece-based maritime company headquartered in Athens, provides technical management and crewing services for tanker vessels.
SOMO Statement and Response
State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), the Iraqi government body responsible for the international marketing and export of the country’s crude oil and petroleum products, has issued an official statement regarding the incident. According to SOMO, Zefyros was operating in Iraqi territorial waters when the strike occurred. The organization has not identified who launched the projectile or what weapon was used.
Investigation and Next Steps
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the cause of the strike and identify those responsible. In the meantime, the crew members have been safely evacuated and the vessel’s condition is being assessed. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Original Article: Projectile strike forces evacuation of crew from tanker Zefyros during StS transfer off Iraq — Portnews