A Panama-flagged crude supertanker, GEM NO.2, was hit by an unknown projectile while at anchor off the UAE coast, sparking a fire that was quickly extinguished.
Context and risk outlook
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the strike occurred at about 1000 GMT on Friday, roughly 13 nautical miles west of the UAE. Vanguard, a British maritime risk-management group, reported: 'GEM NO.2 was struck by an unknown projectile approximately 13nm west of , UAE, at 1000 (GMT)'. The vessel issued a distress alert indicating a fire onboard, which was later put out.
The ship’s operator, Gem No.2 Maritime Corp, could not be reached for comment. LSEG tracking data showed the tanker was fully laden with oil and had been at anchor off the UAE coast prior to the attack.
Indian government sources confirmed that the tanker carried 22 Indian seafarers and that all crew members were reported safe after the incident, with authorities monitoring the situation.
This attack follows a similar strike on a tanker off the coast of Qatar earlier in the week, marking the second vessel hit inside the Persian Gulf in three days. Maritime security sources told UKMTO that the latest strike lay outside the traditional Hormuz corridor, signalling a widening of the threat area for commercial shipping.
The Joint Maritime Information Center noted that attacks have become more frequent in recent days, urging added crew vigilance and stronger industry monitoring. In its weekly overview, UKMTO recorded 11 attacks in the seven-day period ending 7 October, with most occurring along the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz.
For shipowners, charterers and brokers, the incident reinforces the need to reassess war-risk coverage and consider alternative routing options when operating in the Gulf, as the geographic spread of violence raises exposure beyond the traditional choke point.
Typically, such incidents lead to higher war-risk premiums and increased scrutiny of routing decisions.
As Editor in Chief of The Maritime, I lead content development, interviews, and digital storytelling across our multimedia maritime platform. With over 10 years of experience in the maritime industry, I create and publish in-depth stories and video features that highlight key players, emerging trends, and operational realities across global shipping. Before launching The Maritime, I worked as a Vessel Operator at Imza Marine A.S., gaining hands-on commercial shipping and voyage operations experience. I also served as Marketing Communications Specialist at Gimas Ship Supply & Services, where I managed corporate communication, digital strategy, and industry outreach for shipowners and maritime clients. I hold a Master’s degree in Maritime Transportation Management from Istanbul Technical University and a Master’s degree in Publishing from Marmara University. My work is driven by the belief that the maritime world deserves strong, informed, and accessible media representation. I am committed to sharing the stories of maritime professionals and contributing to the sector’s visibility, knowledge exchange, and future development.
