At least two cargo vessels were struck by gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, as reported by United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
UKMTO stated that it initially obtained a report of an event 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman. The ship stated it was approached by a gunboat from the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) “and subsequently shot at,” resulting in significant damage to the ship’s bridge. All crew members were reported unharmed.
Another incident occurred 8 nautical miles west of Iran, where the captain of an outbound cargo vessel reported being shot at and “is currently halted in the water.” The vessel has no damage, and the crew is safe, according to UKMTO.
The maritime agency stated, “UKMTO recognizes significant activity in the SoH region and advises vessels to report any unusual occurrences.”
The IRGC navy reported capturing two “violating vessels” and brought them to the Iranian shore, as stated by the semi-official Tasnim news agency. One ship was reportedly connected to Israel, while the other supposedly lacked appropriate authorization and altered its navigation system, according to Tasnim.
The IRGC has stated in the past that it would close the strait until the US embargo was removed.
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