Bahri says Wadiyan tanker safe after Hormuz attack

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's National Shipping Company Bahri confirmed that its very large crude carrier Wadiyan was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. The company stressed that all crew members are safe and the vessel remains seaworthy.In a statement, the company said the tanker, identified by IMO number 9524970, was involved in the incident on July 7, adding that no injuries were reported among the crew after all personnel on board were accounted for.Bahri said it immediately notified the relevant authorities and continues to coordinate with all concerned parties while maintaining close contact with the vessel's crew to monitor developments.The company reaffirmed that the safety of its personnel, protection of the marine environment and the safe operation of its fleet remain its highest priorities, adding that it will continue operating its vessels in accordance with the highest standards of safety and reliability.The incident comes amid heightened attention to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important waterways for global oil shipments and international trade.Earlier on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Iran's attack on the Saudi tanker Wadiyan and the Qatari vessel Al Rekayyat while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz, saying the attacks targeted the security of international maritime navigation and global energy supplies.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Iran's continued attacks constitute a grave violation of international law, international norms and UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which guarantees freedom of navigation and the safe passage of vessels through international waterways.The Kingdom called on Iran to immediately halt all actions threatening regional security, international maritime navigation and global energy supplies, holding Tehran fully responsible for the attacks and all resulting damage and consequences.Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi also condemned the reported attack on Wadiyan, describing it as a flagrant violation of international law and maritime safety rules.He said the attack reflects Iran's continued hostile approach to undermining regional security, threatening global energy security and disrupting international trade, while reaffirming the GCC's full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures the Kingdom takes to safeguard its national interests.Qatar also summoned Iran's deputy ambassador, Mohsen Ghaniei, and handed him a formal protest note condemning the reported targeting of the LNG carrier Al Rekayyat near the Strait of Hormuz.The Qatari Foreign Ministry described the incident as a serious violation of international maritime safety, a direct threat to global energy supplies and a clear breach of international law. Doha rejected the attack, called on Iran to immediately cease any actions threatening regional security and international navigation, and demanded urgent clarification and measures to prevent any recurrence.Several Arab and Gulf countries also condemned the reported attacks on the Saudi oil tanker and the Qatari gas carrier, warning that such actions threaten the safety and security of international maritime navigation.