Bulk carrier hit in Strait of Hormuz by unknown projectile

THREE vessels have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz this morning as Iran seeks to restrict traffic through the chokepoint.

Japan-flagged, MOL-owned, 6,724 teu containership ONE Majesty (IMO: 9424912) sustained damage from what is thought by UKMTO to be a projectile at 0158 hrs, while at anchor 25 nautical miles off Ra’s al Khaymah, UAE.

According to a Lloyd’s List Intelligence casualty report, the vessel’s hull is damaged above the waterline, though the ship remains fully operational and seaworthy, MOL confirmed.

ONE Majesty is deployed on Ocean Network Express' WIN service connecting West India to US East Coast and has been trapped inside the Middle East Gulf since the outbreak of hostilities.

Shortly afterwards, at 0205 hrs, a bulk carrier was hit 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai, UAE. Security company Vanguard has identified the vessel as Marshall Islands-flagged, 82,790 dwt, Star Bulk-owned Star Gwyneth (IMO: 9301031), though this has not been confirmed.

Vanguard said the bulker sustained damage to its hull, but the master has reported all crew as safe and no environmental impact has been observed.

Finally, at 0435hrs, another bulk carrier was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, 11 nautical miles north of Oman, UKMTO reported.

According to the maritime analysis and risk evaluation platform MARE, the targeted vessel was Thailand-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree (IMO: 9323649).

The 2008-built, 30,197 dwt bulk carrier Mayuree Naree was in ballast at the time of the attack.

The strike resulted in a fire on board and forced the ship’s crew to evacuate.

According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence vessel tracking, Mayuree Naree passed through the Strait of Hormuz on the first day of the conflict on February 28 after loading at Hazira, India. It had been anchored off Jebel Ali since then.

UKMTO warned all the vessels in the area to transit with caution as the Iranian Revolutionary Guards continue to threaten ships sailing through the strait.

At least 10 cargo carrying vessels in or near the Strait of Hormuz have been attacked after the war started on February 28.