UKMTO reported that a bulk carrier was attacked by multiple small craft 11 nautical miles (20 km) west of Sirik, Iran; all crew were reported safe and no environmental impact was reported. The incident occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route that has experienced heightened tensions and disruptions since late February. The report comes amid a US-enforced counter-blockade of Iranian ports that has resulted in 49 commercial vessels being redirected, CENTCOM said.
UKMTO: Bulk Carrier Attacked by Multiple Small Craft Off Sirik, Iran
A container ship is seen in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qeshm Island, Iran [File: Asghar Besharati/AP]
Britain's maritime trade monitoring agency, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), reported that a bulk carrier was attacked by multiple small craft on Sunday, 11 nautical miles (20 km) west of Sirik, Iran.
In a brief statement, UKMTO said the unidentified northbound vessel's crew were "reported safe" and that there was "no environmental impact reported." The agency did not provide details on damage to the ship or any injuries.
Location and context
Sirik sits on the Iranian side of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for global energy and commodity shipments. The waterway has seen heightened tensions and disruptions since late February, affecting flows of oil, gas and fertiliser and pushing prices higher.
US Response and Maritime Movements
The incident comes amid a US-enforced counter-blockade on Iranian ports that began on April 13. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday that the 49th commercial vessel attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports had been redirected to comply with the blockade, adding that US forces remain "fully committed to total enforcement."
UKMTO: All crew reported safe; no environmental impact reported. Location: 11 nm west of Sirik, Iran.
Details remain limited. UKMTO and regional authorities have not released further information about the attackers' identity or the vessel's cargo. Shipping companies and insurers will likely monitor the area closely for follow-up reports and navigational advisories.
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