Three merchant ships struck as tensions rise in Hormuz strait amid Iran war

Three merchant ships were struck in and around the strait of Hormuz, including the Thai-registered bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, which caught fire after leaving a port in the UAE. Owners said the Mayuree Naree was hit by "two projectiles of unknown origin" about 11 nautical miles north of Oman; a fire in its engine room was extinguished, 20 crew were evacuated by the Omani navy and a skeleton crew of three remained aboard awaiting rescue.

Two other vessels suffered lighter damage. The Japanese container ship ONE Majesty was struck by an unknown projectile 28 miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah, with minor damage above the waterline, and the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Star Gwyneth was hit about 30 miles northwest of Dubai while at anchor, damaging its hull in the hold; no serious crew injuries were reported.

The strait has been effectively closed since the start of the month after a US and Israeli attack on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation, and only a handful of vessels have risked the crossing.

UAE

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