Explosion Temporarily Disables Vessel in Strait of Hormuz

A vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz was temporarily disabled by an explosion Thursday, adding to security incidents on a route where attacks have raised energy-supply concerns for markets and crypto traders.

The blast occurred Thursday, Oct. 29. Attackers aboard a small boat had attached two explosive devices to the vessel’s hull above the waterline before they detonated. The blast caused a fire in the engine room and temporarily disabled the vessel. The crew was unharmed.

Earlier tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz included 11 vessels hit while transiting during the week ended Oct. 4, followed by five additional attacks in a subsequent period. Those incidents included a tanker struck by multiple projectiles off Qatar and another hit near the United Arab Emirates, where a fire broke out. The attacks have drawn concern about possible disruptions to energy supplies and broader markets, including crypto.