Qatari LNG carrier Al Mayeda hit by 'unidentified objects' in the Gulf; Doha condemns 'dangerous act'

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier Al Mayeda was hit by “unidentified objects” while transiting the Gulf on the evening of Friday 30 October, its owner, Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat), said in a statement published on Sunday through the Qatar Stock Exchange.

The company said none of the crew were injured and there was no environmental impact. It said the vessel is “in a safe condition, operational” and that the impact of the incident is being assessed in coordination with regional maritime security authorities. It did not say who it believed was responsible.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “strong condemnation” of the attack in a statement on X, calling it “a dangerous act that threatens the safety of maritime navigation and the security of global energy supplies”. The ministry said investigations were under way to identify those responsible and that Qatar “reserves its right to take all necessary measures” to protect its interests.

More than 120 commercial ships have been hit since the US-Israeli war with Iran began in February, according to International Maritime Organization and UK Maritime Trade Operations data cited by Al Jazeera, with at least 29 in October.

Background: Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz early in the war and has warned that ships passing without its permission would be targeted. The US reimposed a blockade on Iran’s southern ports in July. Qatar is mediating between Iran and the US. For the latest tanker incidents, see our earlier report.