Three commercial container vessels came under attack by gunfire while traveling through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to maritime security officials and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations.
The incidents occurred as Iran has implemented shipping restrictions in the strategic waterway, initially responding to U.S.-Israeli military actions against the country, followed by additional measures due to American port blockades targeting Iran.
The first attack involved a container ship flying the Liberian flag, which suffered bridge damage after coming under fire from both gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades in waters northeast of Oman.
According to UKMTO reports, the ship’s captain stated that an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps gunboat approached the vessel before opening fire. Maritime security officials confirmed three individuals were aboard the attacking gunboat. Despite the damage, all crew members remained safe with no fires or environmental damage reported.
The captain of the Greek-operated container ship noted that no radio communication occurred before the attack, and the vessel had previously received clearance to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
A second incident involved a Panama-flagged container ship that came under fire approximately eight nautical miles west of Iran, UKMTO officials later reported. This vessel escaped damage and its crew remained unharmed.
Maritime security sources confirmed a third attack on another Liberian-flagged container ship in the same area, about eight nautical miles west of Iran, as it traveled outbound through the strait. While this vessel also avoided damage, it stopped in the water following the incident. The crew aboard this ship also remained safe.
Prior to the conflict that began on February 28, this critical shipping route typically carried approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
