A 314,016-TON very large crude oil tanker, the M Star, was apparently attacked by a bomb or rocket, which damaged its hull in the Strait of Hormuz between Oman and Iran.

"The degree of hull damage is under investigation, but no serious injury was reported, although one of a crewman was slightly injured. But no oil leaked," said MOL, according to American Shipper.

Lloyd's List spoke with the vessel's master, Manoj Mathew, who said that the explosion was severe enough to have blown off five doors on the starboard side of the vessel's accommodation and damaged the starboard lifeboat.

While the explosion seems more than a grenade can do, newer RPG models can penetrate tank armour. If successful, a likely result would be a fire and an oil spill, bringing about environmental damage.

One the 15 Indian and 16 Filipino crewmen - the second mate, suffered cuts to his hand from flying glass. Capt Mathew said it was still unclear what caused the blast, but that an inspection was scheduled for today.

No one claimed responsibility, and industry sources pointed out that the position of Marshall Islands-flagged ship was beyond the usual range of Somali pirates. Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency attributed the explosion to an "imbalance of inert gases".*

The ship took on oil cargo in the United Arab Emirate on July 27 and was headed for Japan with 270,204 tonnes of crude.
(Source:www.schednet.com)