Georgian Sailors ‘Safe’ After Drone Attack on Tanker Near Iraqi Waters

2026-03-13 - 09:46

23 Georgian sailors were aboard the Malta-flagged tanker Zefyros, one of the vessels attacked by Iran off the Iraqi coast on the night of March 12, RFE/RL’s Georgian Service reported, citing a relative of one of the sailors. All Georgian sailors, including the captain, are reportedly safe. Two oil tankers sailing in Iraqi territorial waters were struck in the Persian Gulf, with sailors describing a coordinated attack involving drones and explosive devices. Iranian state television reportedly confirmed that Iranian forces carried out the attacks. According to reports, one sailor from the other tanker, Safesea Vishnu, was killed in the attack, though the individual’s name and citizenship were not disclosed. Georgia’s Maritime Transport Agency later said Georgian sailors were “safe” and that arrangements for their return were underway. It added that the agency, together with other relevant agencies, remains in “constant contact” with the shipowner and will take all necessary measures to protect the interests of Georgian sailors. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued a public statement on the incident. According to Reuters, around 20 tankers and other vessels have been attacked in the Gulf during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran while hundreds more have dropped anchor due to Tehran’s threat to attack nearby shipping. Also Read: 11/03/2026 – Kobakhidze Meets with Israeli Ambassador Amid War in Middle East 05/03/2026 – Tbilisi Condemns Drone Attack on Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan 02/03/2026 – Tbilisi Offers Condolences to Both Iran and Israel, Expresses Solidarity with Gulf Countries 08/01/2026 – Georgian Citizens Reportedly Among Crew of US-Seized Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker