A bulk carrier has reported being attacked by multiple small craft off the coast of Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said in a statement on Sunday. UKMTO said all crew on the unidentified northbound vessel were reported safe following the incident, which took place 11 nautical miles (20 km) west of Sirik, Iran.
No environmental impact was reported, it added. Sirik is located on the Iranian side of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that has been at the centre of the ongoing US–Israel conflict with Iran. Iran has maintained a stranglehold on the route since the war began in late February, disrupting major flows of oil, gas and fertiliser to the global economy and driving prices higher.
The United States has imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports since 13 April, just days after a fragile truce took effect. Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday that the 49th vessel attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports had been redirected under its blockade.
“As of today, 49 commercial vessels have been redirected to comply with the blockade. US forces remain fully committed to total enforcement,” CENTCOM said in a social media post.