Tanker-tracking firm TankerTrackers says satellite imagery shows Iran National
Tanker Co (NITC) VLCC DOWNY was attacked today. The vessel was in ballast and
not carrying oil. Imagery and AIS show multiple tugs active around the ship,
concentrated on the aft port side, with activity beginning at about 12:45
Beijing time. The damage appears to be to the port-quarter engine room. Thermal
imagery shows no visible fire or smoke. TankerTrackers notes this vessel type
matches targets CENTCOM has used in past retaliatory strikes; the strike was
likely caused by a US Hellfire missile.