The recent campaign linked to Israel and the United States against Iran has disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly 20% of global oil and LNG flows. Between March 1 and March 11, multiple vessels—including tankers, bulk carriers, a container ship and a tug—were struck by projectiles, an apparent explosive boat and possibly drones. Attacks caused fires, crew evacuations and at least one confirmed fatality; strikes near Iraq led to a temporary halt of oil port operations.
Ships Attacked in the Gulf Since the Iran Conflict Began — A Day-by-Day Account
The Thailand-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree engulfed in black smoke in the Strait of Hormuz, March 11, 2026. ROYAL THAI NAVY/Handout via REUTERS
The recent military campaign linked to Israel and the United States against Iran has threatened Gulf ports and disrupted global trade through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow channel through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that vessels transiting the Strait could be targeted. Below is a day-by-day account of reported attacks and incidents from March 1 to March 11.
March 1
MKD VYOM (Marshall Islands-flagged crude tanker) — A crew member was killed after the vessel was struck by a projectile about 50 nautical miles north of Muscat, off the Omani coast, the manager V.Ships said.
Hercules Star (Gibraltar-flagged bunkering tanker) — Struck by a projectile 17 nautical miles northwest of Mina Saqr (Ras Al Khaimah); a fire was extinguished, UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported.
Skylight (Palau-flagged tanker, U.S.-sanctioned) — Attacked two nautical miles north of Kumzar in the Strait of Hormuz; the crew were evacuated, Oman's maritime security centre said.
March 2
Stena Imperative (U.S.-flagged products tanker) — Struck by two projectiles in the port of Bahrain, causing a fire and an evacuation of the crew, UKMTO said.
March 3
Libra Trader (Marshall Islands-flagged crude tanker) and Gold Oak (Panama-flagged bulker) — Both sustained minor damage about 7–10 nautical miles off Fujairah, UAE, according to UKMTO.
March 4
Safeen Prestige (Maltese-flagged container ship) — Damaged by a projectile two nautical miles north of Oman as it approached the top of the Strait; a fire in the engine room prompted the crew to abandon ship, shipping sources said.
March 5
Sonangol Namibe (crude oil tanker) — Hit by an explosion while anchored near Iraq’s Khor al Zubair port, Sonangol Marine Services (U.S. representative) said.
Initial assessments from two Iraqi port security sources indicated an Iranian remote-controlled boat laden with explosives was used to attack and damage a Bahamas-flagged vessel.
March 6
A tugboat conducting operations with the previously struck Safeen Prestige was hit by projectiles six nautical miles north of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO reported.
March 7
UKMTO, citing a third party, reported a possible drone attack about 10 nautical miles north of Saudi Arabia's Jubail; most of the crew aboard the affected ship were evacuated.
March 11
Mayuree Naree (Thailand-flagged bulk carrier) — Attacked by a projectile in the Strait, 11 nautical miles north of Oman; a fire aboard forced evacuation, owner Precious Shipping said.
One Majesty (Japan-flagged container ship) — Sustained minor damage after being hit by a projectile 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
Star Gwyneth (Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier) — Hull damaged by a projectile 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai; no environmental impact was reported and the crew were reported safe, Vanguard and UKMTO said.
Safesea Vishnu (Marshall Islands-flagged) and Zefyros (Maltese-flagged fuel tankers) — Attacked in the Gulf near Iraq; strikes prompted Iraq to halt operations at its oil ports temporarily. A port security official said the body of a foreign crew member was recovered from the water.
Note: Incidents were publicly reported by maritime security organisations, ship managers and port authorities. Distances, flag states and vessel names are included where sources provided them.
(Compiled from public maritime reports and statements.)
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