At least three container ships came under fire on Wednesday while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre and maritime security sources.
Iran has imposed restrictions on vessels crossing the Strait, initially in response to US Israeli attacks and subsequently as a reaction to the naval blockade imposed by the United States on Iranian ports.
The bridge of the Greek owned, Liberian flagged cargo vessel Epaminondas sustained damage from gunfire and rockets while the ship was sailing in maritime waters north east of Oman. According to maritime intelligence firm Vanguard Tech, the vessel had been informed that it was authorised to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
UKMTO reported that a patrol boat operated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards approached the vessel without issuing a radio warning and then opened fire, causing serious damage to the bridge. No fire broke out on board and all crew members were unharmed.
UKMTO later said that a second container ship came under fire while sailing eight nautical miles west of Iran. The Panama flagged vessel did not suffer damage and its crew remained safe.
According to maritime security sources, a third container ship sailing under a Liberian flag also came under fire while transiting the Strait of Hormuz at a distance of eight nautical miles west of Iran. The vessel halted its voyage. All crew members were reported safe.