Camilla Jessen
A ship collided with two other ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.
A dramatic maritime incident unfolded near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, when an oil tanker collided with two other vessels off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
According to British maritime security firm Ambrey and Reuters, 24 crew members aboard the tanker ADALYNN were successfully evacuated by the UAE Coast Guard.
No Security Threat
The collision occurred approximately 22 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan. While initial reports triggered fears of a security breach, Ambrey clarified that the incident was unrelated to hostilities in the region.
Instead, shipping sources pointed to a more technical and troubling trend: increasing electronic interference affecting navigation systems in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Persian Gulf.
This interference has grown more frequent and intense in recent days, raising alarms among maritime authorities.
While no party has claimed responsibility for the jamming or spoofing signals, the implications for vessel safety are serious, especially in a highly congested and geopolitically sensitive area.
A Fragile Passage
The Strait of Hormuz, nestled between Iran and Oman, is the maritime lifeline for nearly one-fifth of global oil traffic.
According to energy analytics firm Vortexa, the strait handles between 17.8 million and 20.8 million barrels of crude oil and refined products daily.
Any disruption in the flow of traffic—whether due to military conflict or navigational hazards—could send ripples through global energy markets.
Tuesday’s collision happened against the backdrop of escalating military exchanges between Iran and Israel.
The fifth consecutive day of attacks between the two longtime enemies has intensified fears of a broader regional conflict.
While this particular incident was deemed non-hostile, it occurred in a time and place where tensions are high and risks are multiplying.
Navigating Through Uncertainty
The UAE’s swift response helped avert what could have been a much more serious maritime disaster.
However, the event is yet another reminder of the fragility of shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf.
With growing instances of navigational interference, authorities and ship operators are under pressure to bolster security protocols.