In the past 24 hours, two ships in the region have come under attack. The SKYLIGHT, a tanker registered in Palau, was targeted approximately 5 nautical miles north of Khasab, Oman, leading to the evacuation of its crew and resulting in four injuries. Another tanker, the MKD VYOM, flagged in the Marshall Islands, sustained damage from a projectile above the waterline, igniting a fire that was subsequently controlled. Additionally, there are unconfirmed reports of a potential strike on the SEA LA DONNA tanker.
The threat level in the region has escalated to critical, as highlighted in a report from the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) shared with The Insider. This assessment, prepared in collaboration with the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCIO), indicates an increase in the risk of missile and drone attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters. The report notes that vessel clustering near UAE ports and Omani approaches is likely, as operators delay transits for safety.
JMIC analysts warn that heightened traffic density could lead to navigation hazards, including restricted maneuvering space and potential collisions. Furthermore, significant interference with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals has been reported, with positional offsets and AIS anomalies observed. Over the next 24-48 hours, the JMIC forecasts that the threat of aerial attacks will persist, with all merchant vessels at risk, and no formal closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been declared. The possibility of mine deployment remains a critical concern.
