A second vessel operated by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday evening, August 14, just one day after two other ADNOC-affiliated ships were struck in the same strategic waterway. The company confirmed the vessel was targeted during its transit, noting that the situation was successfully brought under control with no injuries reported among the crew.
This latest incident follows an attack on two ADNOC-affiliated vessels on Thursday evening, August 13, also while transiting the strait. While ADNOC did not disclose specific details regarding the nature of these attacks, the company reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its seafarers and its support for freedom of navigation and maritime security in the region. ADNOC has urged the public to rely solely on official sources for information and to avoid circulating rumors or unverified reports.
The frequency of these strikes highlights the severe risks facing commercial shipping through this vital chokepoint. Earlier this month, ADNOC disclosed that 15 of its vessels had been targeted by missiles and drones since the conflict began, with three vessels struck in a single week—an incident that resulted in one death and 20 injuries. The UAE government has strongly condemned these attacks, warning that targeting commercial shipping threatens both regional stability and global energy security.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that these attacks and attempts to obstruct international maritime routes violate UN Security Council Resolution 2817. In a show of regional solidarity, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt also condemned the strikes, while the Arab League denounced the targeting of UAE vessels. These countries collectively called for the protection of commercial shipping and the preservation of freedom of navigation amid the rising tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
International maritime monitoring agencies have documented the impact of this instability. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker was struck by an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) while traveling out of the strait. The vessel sustained minor damage, though the crew remained safe, and no environmental impact was reported. UKMTO continues to advise all vessels transiting the area to exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly below pre-conflict levels. According to UKMTO data, only 151 vessels entered or exited the waterway in the past seven days, a volume equivalent to just 17% of the pre-conflict average. The agency has recorded 56 reports of vessel damage in the strait and nearby waters since the US-Iran war began on February 28, though it noted that the latest incidents may not yet be included in that total.
The Southern Omani route continues to be the highest-risk alternative corridor, accounting for 16 of the 18 projectile strike incidents reported by UKMTO since July 6. Meanwhile, the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in full effect. US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that, as of August 14, its forces had redirected 62 commercial vessels, disabled three, and boarded two while enforcing the blockade.
Political rhetoric has further complicated the situation. US President Donald Trump has publicly stated his intention to declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory after defeating Iran. Tehran has rejected this claim, with Iran’s deputy foreign minister asserting that the strait cannot be seized through a tweet or the presence of an aircraft carrier.
With commercial traffic stalled at a fraction of normal levels and further attacks occurring, the security of the Strait of Hormuz remains a primary concern for the UAE, international energy markets, and regional stability. The situation is summarized by several key developments: ADNOC confirms 15 vessels hit since the conflict began, with one fatality; reports of Iran firing missiles at a crude oil tanker off Oman; and a cargo ship being struck by an ‘unknown projectile’ off the Omani coast. The UK maritime agency also recently reported a vessel on fire in the strait, underscoring that the threat level remains ‘severe’.
ADNOC confirms 15 vessels hit since conflict; 1 dead
Source: Gulf News
