Iranian Missile Hits Container Ship in Oman, Crew Evacuates

The Safeen Prestige, a container ship flying the Maltese flag, was reportedly hit by a projectile while crossing the Strait of Hormuz, leading its crew to evacuate the ship.

According to maritime sources, the incident took place approximately two nautical miles north of Oman as the vessel was traversing this vital shipping corridor. Maritime risk management firm Vanguard reported that the projectile struck above the waterline, causing a fire to erupt onboard.

"The vessel sustained a hit from an unidentified projectile just above the waterline, which resulted in a fire in the engine room. Currently, there are no reports of environmental damage," the firm stated.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations have verified the occurrence but clarified that the vessel in question is not registered under British flags.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage, with roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply flowing through this narrow waterway that separates Iran from the United Arab Emirates and Oman. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, serving as a key route for transporting oil to Europe, the U.S., and Asia.

This attack intensifies concerns regarding interruptions to global energy supplies, especially after Iran threatened to close the strait amid rising regional tensions. Most oil tankers departing from Persian Gulf ports are required to navigate this approximately 60-mile-wide waterway, which has been central to geopolitical tensions for many years.

Shipping analysts have indicated that the recent event is likely to prompt shipowners to exercise greater caution while navigating these waters, with some ships opting to enhance onboard security measures or reroute despite the longer journey times.

In a related incident, Sri Lankan officials reported that the Iranian naval frigate IRIS Dena sank off the Sri Lankan coast, with 32 personnel rescued, although several casualties were recorded. The specific cause of the sinking is still under investigation. This warship was armed with heavy artillery, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes and capable of carrying a helicopter.

Earlier reports from the United States military disclosed that it had destroyed 17 Iranian vessels amid ongoing conflicts, stating its goal to incapacitate what it termed "the entire navy."