Stories

Fri, 16 Oct 2026

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 Ship attack reports near Hormuz reach record high as oil exports slow

BBC Verify analysis of data from a UK maritime agency shows 12 vessels were struck in a week.

* Nicaragua-flagged tanker Petro Dolphin on fire after being struck by a drone
* Container ship GFS Pride sinking after unknown projectile strike in the strait
* Tanker struck by multiple projectiles north of Qatar, resulting in reported casualties Iran's IRGC has published footage of what appears to be the same ship sinking, saying it was carrying contraband and took an unauthorized route. Middle East oil exports have slowed, with about 12.6 million barrels per day going through the strait on Oct 13, below pre-war baseline of 17 million. Experts say Iran has "evolved its strategy" in response to US military actions, and is carrying out near-daily attacks to stop ships from passing through the strait.