Three vessels were hit by unidentified projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, maritime security and risk firms reported, bringing the total number of ships struck in the region since the escalation of the Iran conflict on February 28 to at least fourteen.
Shipping along the narrow strait has nearly come to a standstill since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began, disrupting exports of roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply and sending global oil prices to levels not seen since 2022. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that any vessel passing through the Strait will be considered a target. US President Donald Trump has responded by threatening to escalate attacks on Iran if it continues to obstruct the vital waterway.
The Thailand-flagged cargo vessel Mayuree Naree was struck by two projectiles of unknown origin while transiting the Strait, causing a fire and damage to the engine room, according to its Thai-listed operator, Precious Shipping. Three crew members are reported missing and are believed to be trapped in the engine room, while the remaining twenty crew members were safely evacuated to Oman. The company is coordinating with relevant authorities to rescue the missing personnel. Images released by the Royal Thai Navy showed smoke rising from the rear of the vessel.
Earlier on Wednesday, two other ships sustained minor damage from similar incidents. The Japan-flagged container ship ONE Majesty, anchored 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, was struck by an unknown projectile, causing minor damage above the waterline. All crew members were safe, and the vessel remains operational while investigations continue into the cause of the incident.
A third vessel, the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Star Gwyneth, was hit approximately 50 miles northwest of Dubai. The projectile damaged the hold area of the ship while it was at anchor, but all crew members remained unharmed, and the vessel experienced no listing. Star Bulk Carriers confirmed that there were no injuries and the ship remains seaworthy.
The US Navy has repeatedly declined requests from the shipping industry for military escorts through the Strait since the outbreak of hostilities, citing the high risk of attacks. President Trump, however, has stated that naval escorts would be provided if deemed necessary.
These attacks underscore the heightened danger facing commercial shipping in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors as the Iran conflict continues to escalate. Global markets remain on edge due to the potential for further disruptions to energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
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