Qatari LNG vessel hit by suspected drone near Strait of Hormuz

A Qatari liquefied natural gas carrier, LNGC Al-Rekayyat, was struck by a suspected drone on July 7, 2026, while sailing in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was traveling from Ras Laffan, Qatar, to Dahej, India, when the attack occurred.

Its engine room caught fire, producing heavy smoke, and the ship sustained damage. All 29 crew members remained safe, including four Indian nationals. The vessel continued toward its destination under its own power.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the strike violated international law and threatened global energy supplies. >"The targeting of the Qatari vessel 'Al-Rekayyat' while transiting near the Strait of Hormuz constitutes an unacceptable attack on the security & safety of international maritime navigation, the security of global energy supplies, & a grave & explicit violation of international law, particularly the rules guaranteeing freedom of navigation & safe passage through international waterways.

We demand that the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately cease all practices that undermine regional security or threaten the safety of international maritime navigation, & refrain from endangering global energy supplies & the resources of the countries of the region in pursuit of narrow interests.

We hold it fully legally responsible for this attack & for any resulting damages & consequences," Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. The ministry held Iran responsible for the incident and any resulting damages.

The attack follows a series of incidents involving commercial vessels in the same area. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key route for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.