DUBAI — An Iranian drone struck a Kuwaiti-flagged oil tanker off the coast of Dubai on Tuesday, sparking a fire that authorities later contained, officials said.
The Kuwait-flagged vessel Al-Salmi, a very large crude carrier, was fully laden and anchored in the Dubai port area when it was hit, according to the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. Dubai authorities confirmed that a drone struck the tanker in Dubai waters, causing damage to the hull and a blaze on board.
The Dubai Media Office said response teams brought the fire under control, with no oil leakage reported and no injuries to the crew. All crew members were safe, officials added.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation described the incident as a “direct” Iranian attack. The company said the tanker was carrying crude oil at the time of the strike.
No immediate comment was available from Iranian officials on the incident.
The attack occurred amid heightened tensions in the region. It is one of several reported incidents involving vessels in the Persian Gulf in recent weeks.
Dubai authorities said firefighters and containment teams responded promptly to the scene. The vessel remained in the anchorage zone northwest of Dubai, an area frequently used by ships transiting the region.
Details about the extent of damage to the Al-Salmi remained unclear. Officials did not specify the exact time of the strike or the precise cargo volume beyond confirming it was fully loaded.
The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have not issued further statements on possible motives or next steps. Iranian state media has not addressed the reported strike on the tanker.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the situation at the site was reported as stable, with no ongoing fire or environmental spill, according to Dubai officials.
The incident follows a period of increased activity in Gulf waters but marks one of the more direct reported strikes on a commercial oil tanker in the area this year.
No further details on the tanker’s future movements or repairs were immediately available.
