Gulf: one seafarer killed after Velos Sapphire was struck
The ship manager says a crew member initially reported missing was found fatally injured. The International Maritime Organization identifies the vessel.
Updated 06.11.2026 · 16:01, Athens time — What changed
A seafarer aboard the tanker Velos Sapphire was found fatally injured after the explosion in the Persian Gulf. Greek ship manager Velos Tankers announced the death on 6 November, Reuters reported. The seafarer had initially been reported missing. The company said the vessel was sailing without cargo towards Bahrain.
How the ship was identified
The International Maritime Organization lists Velos Sapphire (IMO 9321201) at the location given by UK Maritime Trade Operations, 50 nautical miles north of Madinat ash Shamal, Qatar. The IMO’s updated record lists damage and one seafarer fatality. It records no pollution.
UKMTO reported two unidentified projectiles. The company believes the explosion was likely caused by a missile, Reuters reported. The authorities have yet to confirm the projectile type or identify who was responsible. UKMTO’s caution to vessels transiting the area is separate from the update on the crew.
Previous coverage
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) issued warning 196-26 on 5 November 2026. It cited a verified source reporting that two unidentified projectiles struck a tanker 50 nautical miles north of Madinat ash Shamal, Qatar.
The notice gives the incident time as 23:20 UTC on 4 November, or 01:20 on 5 November in Athens. The vessel is not named. The notice does not confirm the crew’s condition, the extent of damage or any environmental impact. It neither attributes the strike to an actor nor identifies the type of projectile.
Advice for passing vessels
UKMTO advises vessels to transit the area with caution and report suspicious activity while the investigation continues. No expiry time is given. This is separate from report 187-26 of a vessel seen on fire near Khasab, Oman.
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