The very large crude carrier (VLCC) Sidr, sailing under the Saudi Arabian flag, was struck by unidentified objects approximately 30 km northeast of Oman's Khasab city at 11:52 PM on 31/8, according to maritime data tracking and analysis company Marisks.

Just minutes later, the Liberian-flagged supertanker Senegal Prosperity was hit by three unidentified objects nearly 32 km east of Khasab. Marisks confirmed all crew members on board were safe.

"These incidents, occurring almost simultaneously, indicate a continued escalation of the threat level in the shipping lanes near Oman," Marisks stated.

The crude oil tanker Sidr, flying the Saudi Arabian flag (pictured with its former name). *Photo: Lloyd’s List*

Maritime data firm Kpler reported that each supertanker had loaded two million barrels of Saudi Arabian crude oil at Juaymah port last week. Saudi Aramco had resumed loading and selling oil from within the strait in August.

Bahri, the operator of the Sidr, and Sinokor, the operator of the Senegal Prosperity, have not yet commented on the information.

Iranian media reported on 1/9 that a Saudi Arabian oil tanker had been intercepted while "passing through the southern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz," a route implying transit through Omani territorial waters.

Shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. *Graphic: Guardian*

On 31/8, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy also stated that a supertanker had struck two mines while attempting to navigate the southern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has almost completely blockaded Hormuz, compelling vessels to use the northern corridor controlled by the IRGC. Recently, some ships have utilized the southern corridor near Oman after encouragement and protection from the US Navy. Iran has repeatedly warned ships about the consequences of using routes Tehran deems "illegal".

Thanh Tam (According to Reuters, Times of Israel)