Iran Attacked a US-Protected Convoy – 41 Minutes Later, Their Largest Naval Base Was Gone.lh

Two groups of boats accelerated simultaneously; one group headed toward the convoy’s lead tanker while the other circled wide, positioning themselves behind the formation.

Commander William Drake, the Bulkley’s captain, recognized the maneuver as a classic swarm attack strategy designed to pressure defenders from multiple directions.

He ordered general quarters and prepared for engagement.

At 11:33, he issued a radio warning on international frequencies, stating, “Iranian naval vessels, this is U.S. Navy warship. You are approaching a protected convoy. Alter course immediately. Failure to comply may be perceived as hostile intent.”

There was no response.

At 11:34, the lead group of Iranian boats opened fire—not at the Bulkley, but at the lead tanker, the MT Pacific Voyager.

107 mm rockets streaked toward the Liberian-flagged supertanker, which was carrying 1.8 million barrels of Saudi crude oil.