At least three commercial vessels were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, March 11, according to the Maritime Safety and Risk Company. This is the latest in a series of attacks that have occurred in the strait and its surrounding waters recently.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important energy chokepoints in the world, transporting approximately one-fifth of the global oil supply. According to data from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), at least 13 attacks on ships have occurred in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman since the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28. Three of these attacks took place on Wednesday. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has threatened that any vessel passing through the strait will be a target.
According to information released by UKMTO, the three vessels were attacked by “unidentified objects.” One vessel reported that it was attacked north of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in a fire onboard and forcing the crew to evacuate. Another vessel was hit by an object while northwest of Dubai, and the third vessel was damaged near the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
UKMTO has urged vessels in the region to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activities.
According to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that two vessels were attacked by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
The IRGC claimed that the Thai-flagged bulk carrier “Mayuree Naree” was attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Another vessel flying the Liberian flag, the “Express Rome,” was also attacked on Wednesday morning.
Data from the maritime analysis company MarineTraffic shows that these two vessels were in the Strait of Hormuz earlier on Wednesday.
The Thai Ministry of Transport stated that an unidentified object attacked a Thai vessel near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
The Thai registered operator, Precious Shipping, of the Thai-flagged “Mayuree Naree” bulk carrier, stated that the vessel was hit by two unidentified objects while navigating through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, causing a fire and damaging the engine room.
“Three crew members are reported missing and believed to be trapped in the engine room,” Precious Shipping said.
The company also mentioned, “We are working with relevant authorities to rescue the three missing crew members,” adding that the remaining 20 crew members have safely evacuated and landed in Oman.
Pictures provided by the Thai Navy show thick smoke billowing from the stern of the vessel.
Two maritime security companies reported that the Japanese-flagged container ship “ONE Majesty” was hit by an unidentified object near Ras Al Khaimah, northwest of the United Arab Emirates, 25 nautical miles (46 kilometers) away. The ship’s Japanese shipowner Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and the lessee Ocean Network Express (ONE) spokesperson stated that the vessel incurred minor damage when anchored in the bay and was inspected showing slight damage above the waterline.
They mentioned that all crew members are safe, the ship can still operate normally, and is seaworthy. The shipowner stated that the cause of the incident is not clear and is under investigation.
The maritime security company reported that a third bulk carrier was hit by an unidentified object approximately 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai.
Vanguard, a maritime risk management company, stated that the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel “Star Gwyneth” suffered damage to its hull, but the crew is safe.
The shipowner, Star Bulk Carriers, stated that “Star Gwyneth” was attacked in its cargo hold while at anchor. No crew members were injured, and the vessel did not tilt.
The United States has declared that it will not allow Iran to seize control of the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command announced on Tuesday that several Iranian vessels, including 16 mine-laying ships, were sunk near the Strait of Hormuz.
(Reference: Reuters and CNN reports)