The 22 Georgian nationals who are the crew of a Greek-owned tanker flying the Maltese flag, which was hit by a possible Iranian unmanned surface vessel while conducting a ship-to-ship transfer operation within Iraqi territorial waters, are in good health.
According to the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, no injuries were reported among the crew members as a result of the incident. However, a fire broke out on the tanker after the collision.
The fire was brought under control and eventually extinguished with the assistance of the Iraqi fire brigade and the local port authorities, who were immediately mobilised to the area.
The State Oil Marketing Company of Iraq (SOMO) confirmed that the vessel was carrying concentrated energy products of the Basra Gas Company, as part of commercial activities to export hydrocarbons from the country.
The incident adds to the series of attacks recorded in recent days in the wider Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz region, heightening concerns about the safety of navigation in one of the world's most important energy passages.
