Fired Upon - Persian Gulf

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Incident Details

Incident Details

Description

On 4 March 2026 at approximately 2240 UTC, the Bahamas-flagged tanker SONANGOL NAMIBE (IMO 9325049) reported an explosion on the port side while anchored about 30 nautical miles south-east of Mubarak Al Kabeer Port in Kuwaiti waters. According to UKMTO reporting, the explosion resulted in oil spilling from the vessel and water ingress, though no fire was reported and all crew members were confirmed safe. Following the explosion, the crew observed a small craft departing the vicinity of the tanker. Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has denied reports that the incident took place in territorial waters, noting it took place further offshore. This is to be confirmed.

Key findings

This attack highlights the risk beyond open waters to vessels at anchor, indicating the crisis’s spillover beyond combat zones to critical logistical hubs. Notably, the attack is the furthest point west from the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that the warlike risk zone fully spans the length of the Persian Gulf. The reported presence of a small craft leaving the area may indicate the use of a hand-placed explosive device, such as a limpet mine, a tactic previously associated with regional maritime incidents. The risk to life and to the environment from such a strike on a laden tanker is higher than attacks on other vessel classes, as there is much greater potential for a fire or a spill.

Recommendations

• The Persian Gulf is assessed as critical-risk.
• Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity. 
• As per the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) Alert 2026-001A, vessels are advised to maintain a minimum 30 nautical mile standoff from US military vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea due to ongoing military operations and potential retaliatory action.

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