Two Oil Supertankers Hit by Projectiles in Strait of Hormuz

Two oil supertankers were struck by unknown projectiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz late on August 31, 2026, in a near-simultaneous attack that has heightened fears for global energy security and sent oil prices climbing. The incidents occurred as the vessels were exiting the Persian Gulf, marking a further escalation in threats to commercial shipping in one of the world's most critical oil chokepoints.

The first vessel, the Saudi Arabia-flagged very large crude carrier Sidr, was hit by projectiles about 16.6 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. Minutes later, the Liberian-flagged supertanker Senegal Prosperity was struck by three projectiles approximately 17 nautical miles east of Khasab. Both ships are among the largest class of oil tankers, each capable of carrying roughly two million barrels of crude. Maritime security firms Marisks and Vanguard Tech reported that the projectiles impacted the Senegal Prosperity's port side, engine room, and ballast tank, causing a loss of communications. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed a tanker had reported being struck during transit.

All crew members aboard both vessels were reported safe, and...