Gunfire hits 3 ships in Strait of Hormuz attack

At least three container ships came under gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to maritime security sources and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The incidents took place amid heightened regional tensions following Iran’s restrictions on vessels transiting the strait, first linked to US-Israeli bombardment and later after a US blockade of Iranian ports.

One Liberia-flagged container ship sustained damage to its bridge after being struck by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades northeast of Oman. UKMTO said the vessel’s master reported being approached by a gunboat linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) before the attack. All crew members were reported safe, with no fire or environmental damage.

Maritime sources said three individuals were on board the attacking gunboat. The master of the Greek-operated vessel added that no prior radio contact had been made, despite earlier indications that the ship had clearance to transit the strait.

In a separate incident, UKMTO said a second container ship, sailing under a Panama flag, was fired upon around eight nautical miles west of Iran. The vessel was not damaged, and its crew remained safe.

A third Liberia-flagged ship was also targeted in the same area while exiting the strait. It sustained no damage, but reportedly stopped in the water following the incident. All crew members were unharmed.

Before the escalation on 28 February, the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, carried about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Source: BBC