Benetech Shipping: The crew of the tanker 'Zefyros' is safe
Benetech Shipping announced that the crew of the tanker 'Zefyros' is safe after an unknown projectile struck the vessel at Umm Qasar, Iraq, on March 11, 2026.
Benetech Shipping SA reported that its managed tanker, 'Zefyros', was involved in a serious security incident on the night of March 11, 2026, when an unidentified projectile struck near the vessel at 23:41 local time in the port of Umm Qasar, near Iraq. This incident occurred during a ship-to-ship transfer operation with the tanker 'Safesea Vishnu'. Fortunately, all 23 crew members were confirmed safe, accounted for, and evacuated to shore. The company expressed gratitude towards local authorities and port services for their prompt assistance and emphasized that the status of the vessel is currently under assessment, with further updates to be communicated when significant developments arise. Additionally, Benetech Shipping is closely monitoring the overall security situation in the area and maintains ongoing contact with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of their operations. Simultaneously, reports indicate that a broader security concern may be present in the vicinity, raising questions about the safety of shipping operations in the region. The incident involving the 'Zefyros' not only impacts the management of the tanker but may also affect perceptions of security in the strategic shipping lanes around Iraq, prompting shipping companies to reevaluate their operational protocols in response to potential threats.