A Marshall Islands-flagged LNG tanker carrying Qatari gas to Pakistan was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on October 30, despite Islamabad having secured Iranian approval for transit, officials and ship tracking data showed.
The vessel, Al Mayeda, came under projectile fire while sailing from Qatar toward Pakistan. There were no casualties; all 25 crew members, including six Indian nationals, were reported safe. The Indian Ministry of Ports and Shipping confirmed the crew's safety via X, though it did not provide further details on the vessel's condition.
Ship tracking data by Marine Traffic indicated the tanker was forced to turn back toward the Persian Gulf following the attack. People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that the incident occurred hours after Iranian authorities had granted the vessel permission to proceed.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the attack. The Qatari Foreign Ministry said Qatar reserves the right to take all necessary measures in accordance with international law and the UN Charter to protect its assets and safeguard its vessels and crews. The GCC Secretary General warned that targeting energy tankers represents a dangerous escalation that undermines regional security and endangers lives, properties and the global economy. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the Kingdom's rejection of violations threatening maritime navigation and global energy supplies, stressing the need for international action to ensure maritime safety and uphold international law.
The incident occurred as Pakistan continues to play a mediator role between the United States and Iran amid their ongoing conflict. No statement has been released by Pakistani authorities regarding the attack.
