The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported an explosion near a cargo ship 15 nautical miles north of Sharjah, UAE. Fortunately, all crew members are safe. Authorities have launched an investigation, urging vessels in the area to navigate cautiously. This incident highlights escalating tensions and maritime security concerns in the region.
A containership, the Safeen Prestige, reportedly caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz following a possible attack. This vessel has suffered multiple incidents since late February, raising concerns about escalating threats to commercial shipping. Maritime traffic through the area has decreased significantly as shipowners avoid the growing volatility.
On Wednesday, Iran’s oil facilities in South Pars and Asaluyeh were attacked, leading to evacuation warnings for oil sites in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. Oil prices surged over 4% to exceed $108 per barrel. Analysts warn of potential retaliatory strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure, particularly in Qatar.
A tanker off the coast of Oman was struck by an “unknown projectile,” as reported by a UK maritime agency. Anchored at the time, the vessel suffered minor damage, but no crew injuries were reported. Authorities are investigating the incident amid growing concerns about maritime security in the region.
Deonandan Prasad Singh, a 55-year-old seafarer from Mumbai, tragically lost his life in a tanker attack near Basra, Iraq. Just before his voyage on MT Safesea Vishnu, he was called to join the crew. Singh’s family suspects understaffing led to the last-minute decision, leaving them in shock over his death.
A US-owned oil tanker, the Safesea Vishnu, was attacked near Basra, Iraq, resulting in the death of an Indian crew member. Another vessel, the Malta-flagged Zefyros, was also targeted. The incident prompted the suspension of operations at Iraqi oil terminals amid rising security concerns, while commercial ports remain operational.
Two tankers, the Greek-owned Zefyros and the US-owned Safesea Vishnu, were attacked during a ship-to-ship transfer in Iraqi waters, resulting in a fire on one vessel. While 38 crew members were rescued, one fatality was reported. This incident marks the fifth attack on vessels in the Arabian Gulf recently.
Two tankers were reportedly hit by unidentified projectiles in the Arabian Gulf, confirmed by UK Maritime Trade Operations. One vessel caught fire, but the crew evacuated safely with no injuries. The second vessel’s details remain unclear. This incident aligns with a pattern of Iranian attacks on merchant ships in the region.
Eight Indian seafarers, stranded after a missile attack on the oil tanker Sky Light near Oman, are awaiting emergency travel documents. The attack, linked to the Iran-Israel conflict, claimed the life of their captain and left one crew member missing. Their lost documents hinder their return home, intensifying their anxiety.
On March 11, two bulk carriers and a container ship were attacked, leaving three seafarers missing from the Mayuree Naree, which was struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz. While the crew’s safety is prioritized, the remaining members were evacuated to Oman, with rescue efforts for the trapped crew ongoing.
The Philippines has confirmed that a Filipino seafarer is missing after an attack on a tugboat near the Strait of Hormuz. The government is providing support to the family while ensuring the safety of the seafarer’s colleagues. Authorities are monitoring the well-being of 6,400 Filipino seafarers in the region.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, expressed deep concern over the deadly attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in four seafarers’ deaths and three injuries. He underscored the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect the approximately 20,000 seafarers at risk in the region.
A Maltese-flagged container ship, the Safeen Prestige, was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, leading crew members to abandon ship. Initial reports suggest fire in the engine room following the impact. This incident highlights rising maritime security threats in the region amid recent military confrontations.
A vessel navigating 7 nautical miles east of Fujairah reported an unidentified projectile impact, damaging its steel plating. The UKMTO confirmed all crew members are safe, with no fire or water ingress. This incident raises concerns about maritime safety in the region, prompting investigations into the projectile’s source.
On March 1, 2026, three vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz amidst rising tensions from Iranian retaliatory strikes against US-Israeli air raids. One ship off Oman was hit by an unidentified projectile, igniting a fire that was later controlled. Another vessel also faced a projectile strike, but all crew members remained safe.
