Marine fuel supplier Peninsula has confirmed that the crew member reported missing following last week’s incident aboard the tanker Hercules Star off Dubai has been found deceased, according to Ship & Bunker. The confirmation raises the death toll from the September 9 incident to two.
Company Statement
In a statement sent to Ship & Bunker, Peninsula said: “Following the report of a loss of life during the incident involving the Hercules Star in the early hours of 9th September whilst at anchor off Dubai, we regret to announce that the missing crew member has been found deceased.” The company added, “Their family have been informed, and we continue to offer our full support and our deepest condolences.”
Peninsula also confirmed to Ship & Bunker that all remaining members of the vessel’s crew have now been repatriated, and that the company continues to provide them with support.
Background on the Incident
As previously reported by Ship & Bunker, Peninsula had chartered the Hercules Star from sister company Hercules Tanker Management. Last week, the company confirmed that one crew member had died and another was missing following the incident. No further details regarding the specific circumstances of the incident have been released, Ship & Bunker notes.
The incident prompted bunker industry body IBIA to call for greater protection of seafarers last week, according to Ship & Bunker. Separately, Ship & Bunker reports that the IMO said on Wednesday it had verified 80 attacks on shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began on February 28, with at least 22 seafarers killed.
Does This Matter to You?
This incident underscores the ongoing security risks facing vessels and crews operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for bunker fuel and cargo movements. Vessel operators, charterers, and crewing agencies with exposure to anchorages off Dubai and the wider Gulf region may find this development relevant when assessing current safety conditions in the area.
The broader IMO figures cited by Ship & Bunker, showing dozens of verified attacks and multiple seafarer fatalities since late February, point to a sustained risk environment rather than an isolated event. This may be a factor for those involved in voyage planning, crew welfare policies, or insurance considerations for transits through the Strait of Hormuz.
The source material does not provide further detail on the cause of the Hercules Star incident, so the direct operational implications beyond the confirmed loss of life remain unclear.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
