A seafarer has been killed in an attack on the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Dignity while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, as attacks on commercial shipping in the strategic waterway continue. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre said a Company Security Officer reported that a vessel had been struck by an unknown projectile while sailing outbound through the southern corridor of the Strait in Omani waters.
“The impact caused damage to the engine room and resulted in a crew casualty. The remaining crew are currently being assisted by the Omani Coast Guard,” UKMTO said. The strike on the vessel’s engine room killed one crew member. Two attempts to evacuate the remaining crew by helicopter were unsuccessful, with the Omani Coast Guard expected to assist in the rescue operation.
Dry bulk shipping association Intercargo said it was “deeply saddened” by reports that a seafarer aboard Minoan Dignity had lost his life in the attack on 17 August 2026. “Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family, colleagues and loved ones. We also express our profound concern for the remaining crew and hope for their safe evacuation,” Intercargo said.
The association reiterated that seafarers are civilians and must never be targeted or treated as collateral victims of geopolitical conflicts. It also called on all parties to respect international law and protect civilian seafarers and merchant vessels. No environmental impact had been reported from the attack at the time of publication.