A minor but tactically notable naval engagement in which Israeli patrol boats disrupted Egyptian commando operations in the Gulf of Suez on the opening day of the Yom Kippur War.
Key Facts
- Date
- October 7, 1973
- Location
- Gulf of Suez, central sector
- Israeli vessels involved
- 2 Dabur-class patrol boats, Squadron 915
- Egyptian assets targeted
- 2 Egyptian commando boats at anchorage
- Israeli awards given
- 3 crewmen awarded Medal of Distinguished Service
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
On October 6, 1973, Egypt launched a surprise military offensive into Israeli-occupied Sinai, initiating the Yom Kippur War. Two Israeli Dabur-class patrol boats from Squadron 915 were conducting routine patrol operations in the Gulf of Suez when the attack began, prompting commanders to redirect them toward disrupting Egyptian commando activity in the region.
The Israeli patrol boats located two Egyptian commando boats preparing to depart the small naval anchorage at Marsa Talamat. The Israelis attacked, pressing the engagement even after both Dabur boats accidentally ran aground. Despite this complication, they inflicted considerable damage on the Egyptian commando forces before successfully withdrawing from the anchorage.
The battle disrupted Egyptian commando operations in the Gulf of Suez during the critical opening phase of the war. Three Israeli crewmen received the Medal of Distinguished Service for their conduct. The engagement was one of several significant naval battles that collectively shaped the outcome of the naval dimension of the Yom Kippur War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent