Three commercial vessels were struck by projectiles near the Strait of Hormuz within a few hours on March 11, including a Thai-flagged bulk carrier that caught fire after being hit off the coast of Oman, maritime security authorities reported.
The incidents occurred in waters near Oman and the United Arab Emirates, raising fresh concerns about safety along the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route that carries a major share of the world’s oil exports.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a cargo ship was hit by an unidentified projectile about 11 nautical miles from Oman while transiting the strait. The strike caused a fire on board, prompting the crew to begin evacuation procedures and request assistance.
Maritime security firm Vanguard Tech identified the vessel as the Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayruree Naree, owned by Bangkok-based Precious Shipping. Reports indicated that around 20 crew members evacuated the ship while three remained on board during emergency response operations.
In a later update, UKMTO said the fire had been extinguished and a skeleton crew remained on the vessel while it awaited further support.
Additional vessels damaged near UAE
Two more commercial ships were also reported damaged by projectiles west of the United Arab Emirates on the same day.
UKMTO said a container ship was struck about 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah. The vessel sustained structural damage but all crew members were reported safe and accounted for.
Vanguard Tech identified the ship as the Japanese-flagged ONE Majesty, owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and operated by Ocean Network Express. The ship reportedly suffered a small breach in its hull and was heading toward a safe anchorage.
A third vessel, a bulk carrier, was struck about 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai. UKMTO said the crew were safe and there was no environmental impact reported.
According to Vanguard Tech, the vessel involved was the Marshall Islands-flagged Star Gwyneth, part of the fleet of Greek shipping company Star Bulk.
Strategic waterway under growing security pressure
The incidents come after about 72 hours without reported attacks on commercial vessels in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. A large share of global oil exports from Gulf producers passes through the narrow waterway each day.
Also Read: Iran begins laying naval mines in Strait of Hormuz, raising risks to global oil shipping
Maritime authorities and shipping companies have been closely monitoring the route amid rising regional tensions, as any disruption in the strait can affect global trade and energy supply chains.
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