Three vessels hit by gunfire in Strait of Hormuz, crews safe

On Wednesday, gunfire struck at least three container ships in the Strait of Hormuz, according to maritime security sources and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). Iran has placed restrictions on vessels using this crucial waterway, first reacting to the U.S.-Israeli attacks on the country and then responding to a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. One Liberia-flagged container ship was damaged on its bridge from gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades while northeast of Oman. The UKMTO reported that the ship's captain said an IRGC gunboat approached and then opened fire on them. Fortunately, all crew members were unharmed, and there was no fire or environmental damage. Maritime security sources indicated that three individuals were aboard that gunboat. The captain of a Greek-operated container ship also mentioned that there was no radio contact before the incident. Initially, the vessel had been told it could pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The UKMTO later confirmed that a second container ship was fired upon about eight nautical miles west of Iran. This Panama-flagged vessel suffered no damage and its crew is safe. Additionally, a third container ship was also attacked around eight nautical miles west of Iran while leaving the Strait of Hormuz. This Liberia-flagged vessel, which was undamaged, had stopped in the water, and its crew is safe as well. Typically, before the conflict began on February 28, this waterway carried about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supply, making it vital for global trade.