The M/V M. Star is a VLCC oil tanker operated by the Japanese company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. It was launched in December 2008.[1]
The M. Star was damaged by an explosion on 27 July 2010, injuring one member of the ship's crew.[2]
The UAE initially said the M. Star was damaged by a "freak wave" from an earthquake.[3] Mitsiu officials said, however, that they believed the explosion was caused by a terrorist attack.[4] In August, the UAE said the blast was probably caused by an attack, possibly a suicide bomber in a speedboat. Radar had picked up a suspicious craft near the tanker just before the attack, and traces of explosives were found on the hull.[5]
On November 22, 2010, the United States Maritime Administration confirmed that the blast was the result of a terrorist attack.[6]