VIDEO: Three ships struck in new Iranian attacks

Screengrab from YouTube video

Video emerged today showing two ships ablaze after reportedly being struck in new Iranian attacks by surface drones. Windward AI reports that the incident occurred overnight on March 11–12, and involved two crude oil tankers, identified by Windward as the U.S.-owned Safesea Vishnu and Greek-owned Zefyros, that were struck by Iranian “suicide” surface vessels during an STS transfer south of Al Basrah. The coordinated strikes caused massive fires and one Indian crew fatality.

In response, Iraqi authorities have suspended all oil terminal operations, severely disrupting crude exports and regional maritime security.

In a subsequent incident, a vessel identified by Windward as the Japan-flagged containership One Majesty was struck by a projectile 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The vessel sustained a 10 centimeter breach above the waterline but remains seaworthy and is proceeding to a safe anchorage.

Meantime, the U.S. DFC reports that NYSE-listed insurance giant Chubb will serve as the lead partner for its $20 billion maritime reinsurance plan designed to return commercial shipping to the Strait of Hormuz.

That return would look to be yet a while away