Two tankers — including the Zefyros, a vessel linked to a Greek-based company — were attacked and set ablaze within Iraq’s territorial waters in the Persian Gulf, according to Iraqi port authorities and international media reports. The assault reportedly involved Iranian vessels allegedly rigged with explosives.
Attack and Rescue Efforts
At least one crew member died in the incident, while 38 others were rescued, Greek public broadcaster ERT reported. Iraqi maritime authorities confirmed the operation took place near the country’s southern coastline, where both ships caught fire shortly after the attack.
The Zefyros, registered under the Maltese flag, is owned by a Greece-based shipping firm. The second vessel, the Safesea Vishnu — flagged in the Marshall Islands — is operated by U.S.-based Safesea Transport Inc. Both ships were reportedly carrying Iraqi fuel oil at the time.
Iraqi Response and Sovereignty Concerns
Farchan Al-Fartousi, spokesperson for Iraq’s General Company for Ports, told the INA news agency that Iraqi coast guard personnel responded immediately to rescue the crew of a foreign tanker under attack in Iraqi waters — though initial statements offered no further operational details.
Later, speaking to CNN, the head of Iraq’s port authority confirmed that 38 crew members from the two burning tankers had been evacuated. He reiterated that the attack constituted a violation of Iraqi sovereignty and stressed Baghdad’s right to pursue legal action.
Major General Saad Maan, spokesperson for Iraq’s Joint Operations Command, confirmed the location as Iraqi territorial waters and described the incident as a serious breach of national jurisdiction.
Visual Evidence and Operational Context
CNN-verified footage shows both vessels engulfed in flames, with fires spreading across the surrounding water — likely due to an oil slick. Ship-tracking data indicates the tankers were anchored in close proximity when the blaze erupted.