DUBAI, March 11 (Reuters) – Three ships were attacked by unidentified projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, a maritime security and risk firm said on Wednesday, bringing the number of ships attacked in the region since the start of the Iran conflict to at least 14.
Shipping in the narrow strait has come to a virtual standstill since the United States and Israel began launching attacks on Iran on February 28, preventing about a fifth of the world’s oil supply from being exported and causing global oil prices to surge to their highest levels since 2022.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned that any ship passing through the strait will be targeted. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to step up attacks on Iran if Iran continues to block the strait.
The Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree dry bulk vessel was hit by “two projectiles of unknown origin” while sailing in the channel on Wednesday, causing a fire and damaging the engine room, Thai-listed operator Precious Shipping said in a statement.
“Three crew members are reported missing and are believed to be trapped inside the engine room,” Precious Shipping said.
“The company is cooperating with the relevant authorities to rescue the three missing crew members,” the statement said, adding that the remaining 20 crew members had been safely evacuated and disembarked in Oman.
Images provided by the Thai navy showed thick smoke billowing from the stern of the ship.
The U.S. Navy has rejected requests from the shipping industry for military escort through the Strait of Hormuz on an almost daily basis since the outbreak of the war with Iran, saying the risk of attack is currently too high, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Trump said the United States was prepared to provide naval escort if needed.
Two other boats also suffered minor damage
The Japanese-flagged container ship ONE Majesty suffered minor damage from an unidentified projectile early Wednesday 25 nautical miles (46 kilometers) northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, two maritime security companies said.
Spokespersons for its Japanese owner Mitsui OSK Lines and its charterer Ocean Network Express (ONE) said the ship was struck while anchored in the bay and inspection of the hull revealed minor damage above the waterline.
All crew members were safe, they said, adding that the vessel remained fully operational and seaworthy. The owner said the cause of the incident was unclear and was under investigation.
A third bulk carrier was also hit by an unknown projectile about 50 miles northwest of Dubai, the maritime security company said.
Maritime risk management firm Vanguard said the projectile damaged the hull of the Marshall Islands-flagged Star Gwyneth, adding that the ship’s crew were safe. Shipowner Star Bulk Carriers said the ship was hit in the cargo hold area while it was anchored. No crew members were injured and have not been listed.
(Reporting by Jonathan Saul in London, Yannis Souliotis and Renee Maltezou in Athens, Panarat Thepgumpanat in Bangkok and Kentaro Okasaka in Tokyo, Tala Ramadan, Nayera Abdallah in Dubai and Enes Tunagur in London; Editing by Louise Heavens and Philippa Fletcher)
