Two Dead in Attack on Israeli Oil Tanker
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An oil tanker belonging to the shipping company "Zodiac” – owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer – was attacked off the coast of Oman.
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An oil tanker attacked off the coast of Oman
Two people were killed Thursday night, in a drone attack on an oil tanker operated by an Israeli-owned company off the coast of Oman, according to maritime-security firm Dryad Global.
The website added that the Israeli ship was attacked twice in the Arabian Sea, and the nature of the second attack is unknown.
London-based operator and manager of product tanker Mercer Street, stated that the ship was now sailing under the control of its crew and autonomy with a US naval escort.
The ship was attacked in the Arabian Sea on Thursday night. The location is over 300 kilometers southeast of Oman’s capital, Muscat.
A brief initial statement from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations stated an investigation was underway into the incident.
According to AFP, the Ministry of Defense determined the nationality of the ship's owners; however, it did not reveal any further information.
Oman did not acknowledge an attack and officials did not respond to requests for comment. The US Navy's 5th Fleet, which patrols the Mideast, also did not respond to a request for comment.
Israeli media reported that the attacked ship is operated by an Israeli company, Eyal Ofer's Zodiac Group.
