At least five commercial vessels were attacked in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday as escalating hostilities in the region increasingly place merchant shipping at risk.
Maritime and port officials said explosive-laden boats believed to be linked to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted two fuel tankers near Iraqi waters, setting both vessels on fire. One foreign crew member was reported killed, while rescue teams continued searching for other missing sailors.
The vessels involved in the late-night attack were identified as the Safesea Vishnu, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, and the Zefyros, which had reportedly loaded fuel cargo in Iraq.
Port authorities said Iraqi rescue teams recovered the body of one foreign crew member from the water, though it remained unclear which vessel the individual belonged to.
The incident adds to a growing number of attacks on shipping since the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel escalated in late February. Maritime security sources say at least 16 ships have been struck in the region since the fighting began.
Shipping activity across the Gulf and through the Strait of Hormuz — a key global energy corridor carrying roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply — has slowed dramatically following military strikes against Iran that began on February 28.
In a separate incident earlier on Wednesday, the Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree was hit by two unidentified projectiles while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The attack caused a fire and damaged the engine room, according to the vessel’s operator Precious Shipping.
Three crew members were reported missing and are believed to be trapped in the engine room, while the remaining 20 crew members were safely evacuated to Oman.
Images released by the Royal Thai Navy showed smoke rising from the rear section of the vessel.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later said the ship had been fired upon by Iranian fighters, marking what could be the first direct engagement involving the force during the current escalation.
Two additional vessels also reported damage from projectiles in the region. The Japanese-owned container ship ONE Majesty sustained minor damage above the waterline after being struck near Ras Al Khaimah, though all crew members remained safe.
Another vessel, the bulk carrier Star Gwyneth, was also hit by a projectile while anchored northwest of Dubai. Maritime risk firm Vanguard Tech said the projectile damaged the ship’s hull but caused no injuries.
The recent incidents highlight the growing danger facing commercial shipping in one of the world’s busiest energy transit routes as regional tensions continue to escalate.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to U.S., Israeli, and Western-allied ships in early March 2026, with major threats issued on March 2 and reinforced on March 11, 2026. The announcement followed renewed conflict, with threats to attack any vessel attempting to pass through the critical oil transit route