Merchant Vessel Catches Fire Near Strait of Hormuz After Unidentified Projectile Strike
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, a maritime security firm announced on Tuesday that a bulk carrier caught fire and lost a sailor following an impact from an unidentified projectile near the Strait of Hormuz.
The English maritime security company Vanguard stated that the projectile apparently hit the vessel’s engine room, leading to a fire in the crew accommodation area. The third engineer of the ship has been reported missing.
A tanker in the vicinity of the incident reported that the vessel suffered a complete power outage after the attack.
British media, citing informed sources, reported that the crew abandoned the ship after attempting to contain the fire and requesting external assistance.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations issued a warning late Monday local time, stating that the incident occurred approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping data indicates that the vessel, named ‘Minoan Pioneer,’ is a bulk carrier flagged in Liberia and managed by a Greek company.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has stated that it is prepared to guarantee shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz, provided a stable ceasefire is reached and the war concludes, while adhering to necessary protocols and security considerations.
