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A Thailand-flagged cargo ship, Mayuree Naree, was engulfed in black smoke in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11, 2026.— Reuters
– Iranian armed boats attacked two tankers in Iraqi waters.
– A Thailand-flagged bulk carrier was damaged off the coast of Oman.
– Most crew members have been evacuated; three are missing.
Iranian boats reportedly launched explosives at two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, igniting fires and resulting in one crew member’s death on Wednesday. The attacks, which involved projectiles hitting three vessels in the Gulf, indicate a rise in hostilities between Iran and US-Israeli forces, bringing the total number of targeted ships in the region to at least 16 since fighting escalated.
Shipping traffic in the Gulf and through the narrow Strait of Hormuz—responsible for about 20% of the world’s oil—has nearly halted since the U.S. and Israel initiated strikes against Iran on February 28, driving global oil prices to their highest point since 2022.
The ships targeted in late-night attacks near Iraq include the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros, both of which had loaded fuel cargoes in Iraq, according to Iraqi port officials. “We recovered the body of a foreign crew member from the water,” said one security official. Iraqi rescue teams are still searching for other missing crew members, though it’s unclear which ship the body belonged to.
Safesea Transport Group and Safesea Group, the U.S.-based operators of Safesea Vishnu, did not respond immediately to inquiries. Zefyros is flagged in Malta, and its crew list was provided by an Iraqi port source. Lloyd’s List Intelligence confirms that Zefyros Trading SA owns the vessel, with UK-based Cygnus Tankers Limited serving as the commercial operator and the George & Vassilis Michael family group of Greek shipowners as the beneficial owner. Cygnus Tankers did not comment, nor could the other parties be reached right away.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have issued warnings that any vessel crossing the Strait of Hormuz may be targeted. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to escalate attacks on Iran if it continues to impede the strait.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Thai-flagged dry bulk vessel Mayuree Naree was hit by two unidentified projectiles in the strait, igniting a fire and damaging its engine room. The Thai operator, Precious Shipping, reported three crew members missing, presumed trapped in the engine room. The remaining 20 crew members were safely evacuated to Oman. Images from the Thai navy show thick smoke billowing from the ship’s stern.
The Guards claimed the vessel was “fired upon by Iranian fighters,” marking what appears to be their first direct engagement, although previously they have used missiles and drones.
The U.S. Navy has declined daily requests from shippers for military escorts through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict with Iran began, citing the high risk of attacks. President Trump has stated that the U.S. is prepared to provide escorts if needed.
Two other ships have sustained minor damage:
– The Japan-flagged container ship ONE Majesty was hit 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, suffering minor hull damage above the waterline. Its crew is safe, and the vessel remains operational. Its owner, Mitsui OSK Lines, and the charterer, Ocean Network Express, are investigating the cause.
– A bulk carrier, Star Gwyneth, flagged in the Marshall Islands, was hit around 50 miles northwest of Dubai. The hull was damaged, but the crew was unharmed, and the vessel continued to operate after the incident.
The Iranian Guards also referenced another vessel hit by projectiles, likely drones, earlier that morning. Confirmation of this report remains pending.
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