A helicopter belonging to Saudi Arabia’s state oil company, Aramco, crashed along the Persian Gulf coast on Sunday. The Saudi authorities confirmed the tragic event resulted in the loss of all 14 individuals on board. These passengers were reported to be Saudi nationals, as stated by the country’s energy ministry.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the crash. Officials have indicated there are no signs linking the incident to the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.
The crash site, Ras Tanura, is a crucial location for the kingdom. It hosts a significant oil refinery and port through which Saudi Arabia traditionally exports oil via the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow waterway has gained attention amid the ongoing U.S. and Israeli conflict with Iran. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, around 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments passed through this strait. However, Iran has effectively blocked the strait in light of the conflict.
Saudi Arabia, known as the world’s leading oil exporter, rerouted its oil exports from Ras Tanura to an overland pipeline directed to the Red Sea coast since the war’s onset in late February. In March, the Ras Tanura refinery experienced a fire, causing some units to close. This followed the interception of two Iranian drones whose fragments landed in the vicinity. Recently, activities at the port have resumed, with crude oil loading taking place, according to shipping data mentioned by Reuters.
Vivian Nereim serves as the lead reporter for The Times, focusing on the Arabian Peninsula. She is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.