- Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, which was struck by two projectiles of unknown origin while sailing through the strait.
- The Japan-flagged container ship ONE Majesty sustained minor damage after being hit by an unidentified projectile about 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.
- A third vessel, the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Star Gwyneth, was hit by another projectile roughly 50 miles northwest of Dubai.
Three additional commercial vessels were struck by projectiles in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to maritime security and risk management firms, raising the total number of ships hit in the region to at least 14 since the conflict involving Iran began.
Shipping traffic through the narrow waterway has slowed dramatically since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, disrupting the transit of nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply and driving global oil prices to their highest levels since 2022.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the strait could be targeted, the Arab News reports.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has threatened to intensify US military operations if Iran continues to obstruct the critical maritime route.
One of the vessels hit was the Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, which was struck by two projectiles of unknown origin while sailing through the strait. Its operator, Precious Shipping, said the attack caused a fire and significant damage to the ship’s engine room.
Three crew members are currently missing and are believed to be trapped inside the engine room. The remaining 20 crew members were evacuated safely and taken ashore in Oman.
Images released by the Royal Thai Navy showed thick smoke rising from the rear section of the vessel.
In a statement carried by the Iranian news agency Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC said the vessel had been “fired upon by Iranian fighters,” suggesting the first direct engagement by Iranian forces, which previously relied mainly on missiles or drones.
Industry sources also revealed that the United States Navy has declined repeated requests from shipping companies for naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began, citing the high risk of further attacks. However, Trump has said the US is ready to provide escorts if necessary.
Earlier the same day, two other vessels also reported damage.
The Japan-flagged container ship ONE Majesty sustained minor damage after being hit by an unidentified projectile about 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.
Its owner, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and its charterer, Ocean Network Express (ONE), said the vessel was struck while anchored in the Gulf. A hull inspection revealed limited damage above the waterline, but the ship remains fully operational and seaworthy, and all crew members are safe.
A third vessel, the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Star Gwyneth, was hit by another projectile roughly 50 miles northwest of Dubai.
Maritime risk management firm Vanguard Tech said the strike damaged the ship’s hull. Its owner, Star Bulk Carriers, confirmed that the impact occurred in the cargo hold area while the ship was anchored. No injuries were reported among the crew.
In its statement, the IRGC also referred to another vessel allegedly struck by drones earlier Wednesday, though the report could not immediately be independently verified.
The latest incidents highlight the escalating risks facing commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor linking Gulf producers to international markets.
