Unconfirmed media reporting has indicated that Israeli-owned car carrier ‘MV HYPERION RAY’ was hit by a missile attack off the coast of Fujairah, UAE, on Tuesday.
First reported by Lebanese news outlet Al Mayadeen, the incident remains unconfirmed, but it is understood that the vessel sustained an approach by two small fast-attack vessels in the hours before the alleged incident, data by maritime security intelligence firm Dryad Global suggest.
Meanwhile, in a statement to BBC, representatives for the owner of RAY SHIPPING Ltd noted that “the MV HYPERION RAY incurred no damage and is continuing at full speed on its original voyage.”
This latest incident comes amid increased tensions between Israel and Iran and is reportedly the 5th such incident involving the two countries.
On 25 February, the Israeli-owned car carrier HELIOS RAY suffered an explosion off the coast of Oman, for which Iran was accused of responsibility.
Following this, Israel Environmental Protection Minister Gila Gamliel accused Iran of “environmental terrorism” after an oil spill offshore Israel on the 1st and 2nd of February.
In addition, the Iranian-flagged MV SHAHR E KORD suffered an explosion within a container onboard on March 11th offshore Haifa, for which an Iranian investigator showed Israel as being responsible.
Unconfirmed reporting from Israeli Defence sources claim that the Israeli owned containership MV LORI was then hit by a missile off Oman in the Arabian Sea on March 25th, reportedly suffering minor cargo damage. This incident was closely followed by what is believed to be another reprisal attack against the MV SAVIZ on the 6th April 21.
Whilst these attacks have involved merchant vessels, there is no indication at this stage that attacks will evolve to include wider commercial vessels unconnected with the affairs of each state,
…Dryad Global suggests.
