Three More Ships Hit in Strait of Hormuz as Merchant Vessel Toll Reaches 14

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

A Thai flagged dry bulk carrier caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday after being struck by two projectiles of unknown origin, as attacks on merchant shipping in the waterway pushed the total number of vessels hit to at least 14 since the United States and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28.

Precious Shipping, the Bangkok listed operator of the Mayuree Naree, confirmed the vessel sustained damage to its engine room and that three crew members were reported missing and believed to be trapped inside. The remaining 20 crew members were evacuated and reached shore safely in Oman. Images released by the Royal Thai Navy showed heavy black smoke billowing from the stern of the vessel.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility in a statement carried by the Tasnim news agency, describing the incident as the ship being “fired upon by Iranian fighters.” The wording suggested a direct engagement by Guards personnel rather than the drone or missile strikes that characterized earlier incidents in the current crisis.

Two additional ships were struck in separate incidents on the same day, according to maritime security firms tracking the waterway.

The Japan flagged container ship ONE Majesty, owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and chartered by Ocean Network Express (ONE), sustained minor damage from an unknown projectile approximately 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates while at anchor. ONE and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines both confirmed the strike caused damage above the waterline and said all crew were safe. The vessel was assessed as fully operational and seaworthy.

A third vessel, the Marshall Islands flagged bulk carrier Star Gwyneth, was struck by a projectile approximately 50 miles northwest of Dubai while at anchor, according to maritime risk management company Vanguard. Owner Star Bulk Carriers said the projectile hit the hold area, with no crew injuries and no listing reported.

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has come to a near standstill since strikes on Iran began. The waterway handles approximately one fifth of the world’s oil supply, and its effective closure has pushed global oil prices to levels not recorded since 2022.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have issued open warnings that any vessel transiting the Strait will be targeted. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to escalate American military action against Iran if obstruction of the strait continues, while also stating that the U.S. Navy stands ready to provide escorts when required.

However, the U.S. Navy has so far declined near daily requests from the shipping industry for military convoys through the passage, citing the level of attack risk as too high at present, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The clustering of Wednesday’s incidents across different vessel types, flag states, and anchor positions underscores the indiscriminate nature of the threat now facing commercial shipping in the region. Operators with vessels at anchor or in transit face exposure regardless of nationality or cargo type, complicating risk assessments for carriers, insurers, and cargo interests alike.

With no convoy protection available and the Revolutionary Guards signaling an intent to escalate, the corridor that connects the Persian Gulf to global energy and container trade routes shows no immediate sign of reopening to normal commercial traffic.