Persian Gulf, two tankers attacked by pirates and hostage crews. Distress from two more units – Corriere.it

Up to four oil tankers, which sail in the Persian Gulf, were to launch SOS: according to Israeli media. For the two of them the alarm came back later. One of these, Princess Ashbalt, who is flying the flag of Panama, has been taken hostage by all the individuals on board, the British shipping agency has confirmed. At least eight armed men will board the Asphalt Princess and take possession of it. The news was reported by British and Israeli media. One of the attacks took place 60 miles off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, near Fujairah. Other units that sounded the alarm over the radio were Golden Brilliant, Indian Jag Puja and Vietnamese Abyss, but in at least two of these cases it was possible to overcome technical problems. Also, according to press sources, the act was carried out by elements close to Iran, which rejects these accusations at the present time.

The tension in the whole region has been very high for days: yesterday another oil tanker was attacked by drones off the coast of Oman. This is a crucial geopolitical node for the entire planet, since every day 20.7 million barrels of oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which is about 40% of all maritime trade.