Working Conditions Aboard the Andrea-Victory

(Bloomberg) – The oil tanker Andrea Victory, which suffered damage during a bombing incident attributed to Iran, is making its way back to its home country. Current tracking reports reveal that the vessel is navigating through the northern Persian Gulf, with its final destination set for Bandar Imam Khomeini in Iran. Following the bombing that occurred off the coast of the United Arab Emirates in May, the ship is now carrying a full cargo of fuel destined for Iranian shores. This year's series of tanker bombings has significantly heightened tensions in the Gulf region, as both the United States and Saudi Arabia have accused Iran of orchestrating attacks on maritime vessels, thereby jeopardizing critical oil shipments. In response, Iran has consistently denied any involvement in these hostilities. Complications persist as Iran remains locked in a diplomatic stalemate with European nations regarding its compliance with the 2015 nuclear agreement, further strained by the seizure of Iranian crude by British naval forces. The Norwegian-flagged Andrea Victory was among four vessels reported to have sustained damage from explosions near the U.A.E. port of Fujairah in May, with additional tankers experiencing attacks near Iranian waters in June. Fujairah itself is a vital oil trading hub positioned just outside the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a key passage for global oil transport.

Recent intelligence from the Norwegian War Insurance for Ships suggests that underwater drones may have been responsible for damage to the "Andrea Victory" and three other tankers near Fujairah over the past week. The classified report indicates that these drones likely deployed magnetic mines, each carrying explosive loads ranging from 30 to 50 kilograms, strategically affixed to the vessels at the waterline. Sources believe that the drones were operated remotely from a nearby ship. The investigation points to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a potential suspect, given their history of supplying similar drone technology to allies in Yemen. Notably, shrapnel discovered on the hull of the "Andrea Victory" bears a striking resemblance to debris attributed to drone attacks previously carried out by the Iran-aligned Houthi militia in the Yemeni conflict.

The tanker 'Andrea Victory' is currently at anchor after suffering significant damage to its ballast tank, which was punctured by an explosive in the Gulf of Oman. The gaping hole in the stern is large enough for a person to swim through, allowing water to surge in and out of the compromised area. The vessel arrived at noon on May 11, where its crew was taking a well-deserved rest following a two-week journey from Durban, planning to load in Fujairah. Initial assessments by Emirati officials pointed towards a potential rocket or missile strike; however, they have since revised their conclusion, now suspecting that the damage may have resulted from a limpet mine or an improvised explosive device affixed to the ship's side. The investigation into the identity of the perpetrators remains ongoing. On the morning of May 12, at 6:35 a.m., a distress call was received from another ship reporting engine issues related to water ingress in the engine room. By 8 a.m., Emirati authorities discovered that four vessels were experiencing similar mysterious incidents. The damage occurred at the rear of the ships, a notoriously vulnerable area that is difficult to monitor with radar and tough to spot visually. The identified holes are consistent with the effects of limpet mines, which can be easily attached to the hull by divers or small boats and detonated using a timer. Notably, the damage showed no signs of burning typically associated with missile strikes, indicating that a 5 kg charge, similar to that of a limpet mine, may be responsible.