Caribbean Breeze

CARRIBEAN BREEZE was one of three old VLCC's chartered by KUWAIT OIL to transfer crude oil from Kuwait to Khor Fakkan (UAE) where they would trans-ship to KUWAIT OIL's own tankers. This was the time of the IRAQI-IRANIAN TANKER WAR, and the IRANIANS, as a tactic, were targeting any oil tanker that came into the Persian Gulf with any connection with KUWAIT, which the IRANIANS believed was a conduit for IRAQI OIL. As a result, to protect its newer tankers, KUWAIT charted the three old VLCC's The other two VLCC's were the YUCATAN VALLEY and the PORCHESTER SKY (ex IRENE LEMOS). I was Chief Officer on the PORCHESTER SKY at the time of the attack on the Iranian Missile Attack on the 'BREEZE'. All three were owned by Pakistani interests, based in Switzerland, but managed by WAVENEY MARINE of IPSWICH (UK). Officers were mainly British and Pakistani (including Cadets) with Filipino crew. We were supposed to do a shuttle run up to KUWAIT every 3 weeks but in the six months I was out there, the YUCATAN VALLEY only did one run and the other two, two each. After being floating storage for about 4 months, the 'BREEZE' discharged her first cargo and then sailed up to KUWAIT to load. That was done without incident but on the return, she was targeted by the IRANIAN AIR FORCE jets using French built EXOCET anti-ship missiles. Standard attack practice was for the IRANIANS to deploy a propellor driven spotter aircraft to the expected area to track down the target tanker. On finding the tanker, it would circle it, whilst reporting its position. IRANIAN fighters, equipped with EXOCET would then be scrambled. After intercepting the tanker, the FIGHTER would fly ahead, then turn and fly straight, head-on at the tanker, releasing the EXOCET at very close range and low height. There were several reasons for this tactic. 1. The EXOCET'S targeting system was heat sensing, and the hottest point on most VLCC's / ULCC's was the funnel steam exhaust behind the Navigating Bridge. That meant as well as disabling the tanker mechanically, the missile was also very likely to kill or seriously injure all the Bridge Watch, especially the senior deck officers 2. The EXOCET's warhead detonator was a known weakpoint, and prone to failure. But its propulsion fuel was highly explosive and volatile, so the IRANIANS used the fuel as a back up detonator / warhead. It also had the secondary use as being able to burn and kill the Bridge Watch. This is what happened to the CARRIBEAN BREEZE. The missile stuck the Bridge with the Captain, Second Mate and Watchman. From memory, I believe all were severely injured, one watchman was killed, the Captain loosing his eyesight and the 2/Mate his arm The USS ARTHUR W. RADFORD (DD.968) was operating as a Radar Picket in the Gulf at that time and was about 5 miles away from the 'BREEZE' at the time of the attack. Although she could easily have destroyed the IRANIAN jet, she was under very strict orders not to open fire unless she was attacked herself. However, after the attack was over, her crew rendered immediate medical assistance to the 'BREEZE' and this action definately saved lives. Although the 'BREEZE' was seriously damaged, she was able to limp back to KHOR FAKKAN. Her C/Officer was then promoted to her Captain and took her to Drydock for repairs. We (PORCHESTER SKY) then did the run up to KUWAIT and back, and though spotted and targetted twice by the IRANIANS, were able to get into UAE waters safely. Hopefully this is of use.