On March 11, three civilian ships came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by BBC News.
The Thai-registered bulk carrier "Mayuree Naree" was hit, resulting in a fire on board. The crew of 23 was evacuated by the Omani Navy. The ship was en route from Khalifa Port in the UAE.
The Japanese-flagged container ship "One Majesty" was also targeted. It sustained a 10-centimeter hole and is now heading to a safe port. The vessel was traveling from Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE.
Another bulk carrier, the "Star Gwyneth," flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, also sustained damage. The crew was unharmed; however, there is currently no information on whether it changed course.
The press service of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that Iran attacked two vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. One of the attacked ships, the "Express Rome," flying the Liberian flag, belongs to Israel, while the other, the "Mayuree Naree," belongs to Thailand. The IRGC claims that both vessels ignored warnings.
At the same time, several drones attacked oil storage facilities at the port of Salalah in Oman. The Omani news agency ONA reported that some drones were shot down, but some reached their targets, hitting the tanks. According to maritime security company Ambrey, two columns of smoke are visible at the site of the attack, and one of the tanks is on fire. Currently, port operations have been suspended, and there are no casualties.
The Ministry of Interior of Bahrain also reported an attack on oil storage facilities on Muharraq Island that occurred on the night of March 12.
The agency clarified that "Iranian aggression was directed against fuel tanks in the Muharraq province, and the relevant authorities are taking necessary measures." The statement was published on social media platform X.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reports that since the escalation of the conflict began on February 28, there have been at least 14 incidents involving vessels in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman, of which ten are classified as direct attacks.
Previously, the IRGC warned that any vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz could become targets. With the start of military operations by the US and Israel, the strait, through which about 20% of the world's oil and gas supplies pass, is effectively closed. Iran has announced a ban on the passage of vessels from the US, Israel, and their allies, threatening to prevent the export of "any liter of oil" from the region if attacks continue.
