"Israeli Oil Tanker Attacked by Bomb Drone Near Oman Waters"

Israeli-Owned Shipping Company Vessel... UK Navy "Aware of Incident"

Oil tanker passing through the Gulf of Oman. Photo by AP=Yonhap

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] An oil tanker passing near Oman collided with a drone carrying a bomb.

On the 16th, AP News, citing a military official from a Middle Eastern country, reported that the Liberian-flagged oil tanker 'Pacific Zircon' was attacked by a drone loaded with a bomb off the coast of Oman, where tensions with Iran are escalating, last night.

The British military organization in the incident area, the UK Maritime Trade Operations, stated, "We are aware of the incident and are currently investigating."

The oil tanker targeted by the drone attack belongs to Eastern Pacific Shipping, headquartered in Singapore, which is owned by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer.

Eastern Pacific Shipping issued a statement saying, "The Pacific Zircon was hit by an unidentified projectile," adding, "There is minor damage to the ship's surface, but no cargo leakage or flooding."

They further added, "The safety of all crew members has been confirmed, and the ship's communication status is also good."

Amid growing suspicions about the attack, immediate attention focused on Iran. Iran has been engaged in a 'shadow war' with Israel in the Middle East for years. Drone attacks targeting Israeli-related vessels operating in the region have been ongoing.

In July last year, the Israeli shipping-operated oil tanker Mercer Street was also attacked by what is presumed to be a drone near Oman.

Meanwhile, Iranian state media has not acknowledged the attack on the 'Pacific Zircon.'