Read Authentic Ratings for the Zefyros

Recent satellite imagery captured on March 14 reveals the extensive impact of a recent incident involving tankers at the Basra Oil Terminal in Iraq. The imagery depicts a substantial dark slick spreading across approximately 5.7 square kilometers of the water's surface, particularly noticeable near the scorched remains of the 'Zefyros'. Initial evaluations indicate that the substance observed is likely fuel oil. Fortunately, the primary cargo, which is thought to include oil condensate or naphtha, seems to have mostly evaporated due to the effects of the catastrophic explosion and subsequent fire.

On March 11, 2026, tragedy unfolded near Basra, Iraq, when the tanker 'Safesea Vishnu' (IMO: 9327009) was attacked alongside the 'Zefyros' by explosive-laden drone boats reportedly deployed by Iran. This dramatic incident occurred at approximately 11:52 PM LT, close to the Khor Al Zubair port, leading to a significant emergency response. Unfortunately, one Indian crew member lost his life during the ordeal, while the remaining 15 Indian seafarers onboard the 'Safesea Vishnu' were evacuated to safety. Rescue efforts by an Iraqi Ports Company vessel commenced immediately, aided by five tugboats that initiated search and rescue operations for the 38 crew members from both tankers. Initial assessments revealed that some survivors sustained injuries, while evaluations continued into the morning of March 12. The 'Safesea Vishnu' was anchored near Umm Qasr and the Khor al-Zubair port area, while the 'Zefyros', crewed by 22 Georgian nationals, was engaged in a ship-to-ship cargo transfer with its fellow tanker. At the time of the attack, it was transporting condensed energy products for the Basra Gas Company and had recently loaded 30,000 tonnes of naphtha according to the State Oil Marketing Organization of Iraq (SOMO). Thankfully, all 22 crew members aboard the 'Zefyros' were rescued unharmed by an Iraqi vessel. The fierce blaze was eventually brought under control and extinguished with the help of local port authorities and firefighting units, leaving both tankers severely damaged and listing to the port side. Following the attack, operations at Iraqi oil terminals were suspended by the Iraqi General Ports Company. Iranian authorities have since claimed responsibility for this aggressive act. The 'Safesea Vishnu', operated commercially by Safesea Transport Group and Safesea Group, based in the USA, was chartered by a contractor working with SOMO. Meanwhile, the 'Zefyros' is owned by Zefyros Trading SA, managed by the UK-based Cygnus Tankers Ltd., and is ultimately owned by the George & Vassilis Michael family group. Before the attack, the 'Safesea Vishnu' had been navigating the Persian Gulf, en route towards Khor Al Zubair Port, with its last confirmed voyage being from the offshore loading point KAZ OPL near the Iraqi coast. For ongoing updates and media coverage of the incident, please refer to the following links: [The National News](https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/03/12/ships-attacked-in-iraqi-waters-and-strait-of-hormuz-as-war-targets-expand/), [The Sun](https://www.the-sun.com/news/16072704/explosions-oil-tankers-iraqi-waters-crews/), [Times Now News](https://www.timesnownews.com/world/middle-east/iran-hits-us-owned-oil-tanker-safesea-vishnu-set-on-fire-in-persian-gulf-near-basrah-iraq-article-153814102), [SeaTrade Maritime](https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/tankers/two-tankers-struck-off-iraq-fire-reported), [MSN](https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/topstories/iran-war-two-oil-tankers-safesea-vishnu-and-zefyros-attacked-in-iraqi-waters/ar-AA1Yrk3w?apiversion=v2&domshim=1&noservercache=1&noservertelemetry=1&batchservertelemetry=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1), [India Today](https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/oil-tankers-attacked-iran-iraqi-crude-persian-gulf-hormuz-us-israel-war-tensions-2880683-2026-03-12), and [The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/12/iran-war-latest-news-strait-of-hormuz-iraqi-oil-tankers-hit/).

The maritime sector has seen a new development as a charter agreement has been finalized, establishing a trading rate of $13,000 for a duration of one year. This contract has been secured with CLEARKLAKE, marking a significant move for both parties involved. This agreement reflects ongoing trends in the shipping industry and is expected to influence trading patterns in the upcoming year.