Three additional vessels have been struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, maritime security and risk firms said on Wednesday.
The incidents bring the number of ships hit in the region since the start of the conflict with Iran to at least 14.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed dramatically since the United States and Israel began military strikes on Iran on 28 February.
The disruption has effectively stalled shipments through a passage that typically carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, sending global crude prices to levels not seen since 2022.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned that vessels attempting to pass through the strait could be targeted, while U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to escalate American military operations if Tehran continues to obstruct the vital maritime route.
One of the most serious incidents involved the Thai-flagged dry bulk vessel Mayuree Naree, which was struck by two projectiles while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
The vessel’s Thai-listed operator, Precious Shipping, said the attack caused a fire and significant damage to the ship’s engine room.
“Three crew members are reported missing and believed to be trapped in the engine room,” Precious Shipping said in a statement reported by Reuters.
“The company is working with the relevant authorities to rescue these three missing crew members,” it added, noting that the remaining 20 crew members had been safely evacuated and brought ashore in Oman.
In a statement carried by the Tasnim news agency, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the ship had been “fired upon by Iranian fighters”, suggesting a direct engagement by Iranian forces.
Previous attacks in the region had largely involved missiles or drones rather than direct fire.
The growing threat to commercial shipping has prompted urgent appeals from the maritime industry for greater military protection.
However, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the U.S. Navy has so far declined requests from shipping companies for naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began.
According to those sources, U.S. officials believe the risk of attacks remains too high at present.
Despite this, Trump has stated that the United States is prepared to provide naval escorts to merchant ships whenever necessary.
Two other vessels were also struck by projectiles earlier on Wednesday, though both incidents resulted in relatively minor damage.
The Japan-flagged container ship ONE Majesty sustained damage from an unidentified projectile approximately 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, according to two maritime security firms.
The vessel’s Japanese owner, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and a spokesperson for its charterer, Ocean Network Express, confirmed that the ship was struck while anchored in the Gulf.
An inspection later found minor damage above the waterline, though the ship remained fully operational and seaworthy. Both companies said all crew members were safe.
The owner added that the exact cause of the strike remains unclear and is under investigation.
In a separate incident, a bulk carrier identified as the Marshall Islands-flagged Star Gwyneth was hit by another projectile about 50 miles northwest of Dubai.
Maritime risk management company Vanguard said the projectile damaged the vessel’s hull. The ship’s owner, Star Bulk Carriers, confirmed that the impact occurred in the cargo hold area while the vessel was anchored.
No injuries were reported among the crew, and the vessel did not list following the strike.
