Muscat, Oman. Three vessels were hit by unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, maritime security and risk firms said, bringing the number of ships struck in the region since the Iran conflict began to at least 14.
Shipping along the narrow strait has come to a near standstill since the United States and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28, affecting exports of around a fifth of the world’s oil supply and pushing global oil prices to highs not seen since 2022.
Mayuree Naree incident and crew status
The Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree dry bulk vessel was struck by two projectiles of unknown origin while sailing through the strait on Wednesday, causing a fire and damaging the engine room, its Thai-listed operator Precious Shipping PSL.BK said.
Precious Shipping said three crew members were reported missing and believed to be trapped in the engine room. The company said it was working with relevant authorities to rescue them, and added that the remaining 20 crew members had been safely evacuated and were ashore in Oman.
Images provided by the Thai navy showed smoke pouring out of the back of the ship.
Warnings and U.S. escort requests
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned that any ship passing through the Strait will be targeted. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to ramp up U.S. attacks on Iran if it continues to obstruct the strait.
The U.S. Navy has refused near-daily requests from the shipping industry for military escorts through the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the war on Iran, citing high risk of attacks, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Trump has said the U.S. is prepared to provide naval escorts whenever needed.
ONE Majesty damage report
Earlier on Wednesday, the Japan-flagged container ship ONE Majesty sustained minor damage from an unknown projectile 25 nautical miles (46 km) northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, according to two maritime security firms.
Its Japanese owner Mitsui O.S.K. Lines 9104.T and a spokesperson for Ocean Network Express (ONE), its charterer, said the vessel was struck while at anchor in the Gulf and that an inspection of the hull found minor damage above the waterline.
What impact do you expect continued attacks in and near the Strait of Hormuz to have on global shipping?
