Drones attack a ship owned by an Israeli billionaire

AP|ABU DHABI: Drones like bombs have attacked a crude oil ship owned by an Israeli billionaire, near the coast of Oman, at a time of intense tension between Israel and Iran.

The attack on the Liberian-flagged Pacific Zircon ship took place on Tuesday night, a military official in the Middle East told the Associated Press. The official asked not to be named because he was not authorized to discuss the incident.

The Merchant Marine Operations Association, a UK-based trade association that monitors shipping in the region, told the AP: “We are aware of this incident and it is currently being investigated.”

The Pacific Zircon is operated by Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping and is owned by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer.

The Eastern Pacific Shipping Company said in a statement that the Pacific Zircon, which was carrying gas and oil, was “hit by a missile” while passing 240 km off the coast of Oman.

“We are in contact with the vessel and there are no reports of damage or oil spillage. All employees are safe and accounted for,” the company said.

“There is minor damage to the ship, but no oil spill.”

The AP’s calls to the Israeli embassy in Abu Dhabi were not answered. The prime minister’s office and the Israeli defense ministry also declined to comment.

The news about the attack caused a small increase in the price of crude oil in the world, reaching $94 per barrel.

With no one claiming responsibility, suspicion of the attack has already fallen on Iran.

Tehran and Israel have been engaged in a passive war in the Middle East for years, with drones targeting Israeli-bound ships on several occasions. Israel has also attacked Iranian targets in Syria several times.