US Strike Disables Bulk Carrier Huda off UAE’s Khor Fakkan
US forces have disabled the dry bulk carrier Huda about 18 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan, a port on the United Arab Emirates’ east coast, in the Gulf of Oman. The incident took place on Saturday, 7 November 2026, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
A US military aircraft reportedly fired precision munitions at the ship’s stern. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the vessel had visited an Iranian port, was trying to leave regional waters and had ignored repeated warnings under the US blockade of Iranian ports. CENTCOM said it told the crew to move away from the targeted spaces before the strike.
From the CrewMirror Blog
The Huda is a 24,993 dwt bulk carrier built in 1999, about 159 metres long. CENTCOM says it is flagged in St Kitts and Nevis, and it is reported to be under Turkish management. It does not appear to be under sanctions. UKMTO said the status of the crew is not known.
This is the first ship the US has disabled since 10 October, when the bulker Ocean Molica was struck in the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM says it has redirected 147 commercial vessels since restarting the blockade in mid-July. UKMTO counts 133 vessels damaged in the region this year, with 82 people injured or killed.
CrewMirror Takeaway
Seafarers on ships calling at Iranian ports should know that warnings from naval forces in the Gulf of Oman are being enforced with force. Masters should answer naval calls promptly, and crews have the right to ask about their ship’s trading plans and warlike-area protections before joining.
