Three commercial ships were struck in and around the Strait of Hormuz in a single early-morning window, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations and industry security reports, as Iran continues efforts to constrain traffic through the chokepoint. UKMTO has warned vessels in the area to transit with caution amid ongoing threats linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The sequence began at 0158 hrs when the Japan-flagged, MOL-owned containership ONE Majesty (IMO 9424912), a 6,724 teu boxship, sustained what UKMTO assessed as projectile damage while at anchor about 25 nautical miles off Ra’s al Khaymah, UAE. MOL confirmed hull damage above the waterline but said the vessel remains fully operational and seaworthy. The ship, deployed on Ocean Network Express’ WIN service connecting West India to the U.S. East Coast, has been trapped inside the Middle East Gulf since hostilities began.
Two Bulk Carriers Hit Within Hours
At 0205 hrs, a bulk carrier was hit roughly 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai. Security firm Vanguard identified the vessel as the Marshall Islands-flagged, Star Bulk-owned Star Gwyneth (IMO 9301031), an 82,790 dwt bulker, though that identification had not been independently confirmed at the time of initial reporting. Vanguard said the ship sustained hull damage, with all crew reported safe and no environmental impact observed.
At 0435 hrs, UKMTO reported another bulk carrier struck in the Strait of Hormuz about 11 nautical miles north of Oman. Maritime risk platform MARE identified the target as the Thailand-flagged Mayuree Naree (IMO 9323649), a 2008-built 30,197 dwt bulker in ballast. The strike sparked a fire and forced the crew to evacuate. Tracking data indicated the ship had passed through Hormuz on 28 February after loading at Hazira, India, and had since been anchored off Jebel Ali.
What Operators Should Note
- Anchored ships inside the Gulf are not outside the threat envelope; ONE Majesty was hit while at anchor off the UAE coast.
- Projectile strikes are arriving in rapid clusters, raising the probability of multiple casualties across a single watch period.
- Firefighting and abandonment readiness remain critical, as shown by the Mayuree Naree evacuation after an onboard fire.
- UKMTO caution advisories for Hormuz approaches should be treated as active operating conditions, not background noise, for any vessel still inside or near the strait.
Industry tallies now put at least ten cargo-carrying vessels attacked in or near the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began on 28 February. RegulAs Shipping will update vessel identities and casualty status as further official confirmations emerge.
