Several commercial vessels were damaged in incidents near the Strait of Hormuz on 11 March, highlighting the growing risks for merchant shipping in one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.
According to UK Maritime Trade Operations and reporting by Reuters, at least three vessels were struck by projectiles while transiting waters between Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
The most serious incident involved the Thailand-flagged bulk carrier MAYUREE NAREE, which caught fire after being hit north of Oman. Most of the crew were evacuated following the strike, while search efforts were launched for three missing seafarers.
Two other ships also reported damage in the same area. The Japan-flagged container vessel ONE MAJESTY sustained damage above the waterline, while the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier STAR GWYNETH also reported damage after being struck.
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Maritime security authorities issued advisories to vessels operating in the region, urging ships to remain vigilant and maintain close communication with naval reporting centres.
The incidents occurred amid a broader escalation of maritime security events across the Gulf. Reuters reported that separate attacks involving explosive-laden boats targeted two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters on the same day, underscoring the increasingly volatile environment for commercial shipping in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Indian Ocean. A significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes through the narrow waterway.
Investigations into the incidents are ongoing, and authorities have not confirmed who was responsible for the attacks.
