UPDATE01: United States Central Command (CENTCOM) subsequently confirmed the strike on the vessel. CENTCOM stated that U.S. forces issued “more than 20 warnings” that the vessel was in violation of the U.S. blockade before it was hit in the engine room by an AGM-114 “Hellfire” missile. At the time of writing, no casualties had been reported.
A Gambia-flagged general cargo ship was reportedly targeted and damaged by the United States Navy whilst underway in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel, originating from Karachi, Pakistan, was reportedly en route to an Iranian port when it was first ordered by the U.S. Navy to abort its transit. After the general cargo ship failed to comply with the warnings, a U.S. Navy aircraft reportedly disabled the vessel by targeting its engine room. No casualties or environmental pollution were reported. Ambrey noted that the general cargo ship was not sanctioned at the time of the incident; however, the vessel had previously called at Iran. Based on AIS data, the vessel was last observed transiting northwest 23.9NM east of Sultan Qaboos Port, Oman, on 25 May. At the time of writing, the vessel reportedly remained adrift in the Gulf of Oman.
ADVICE: Ambrey advises merchant vessels to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and contact U.S. naval forces on VHF Channel 16 when operating in the Gulf of Oman and during Strait of Hormuz approaches. Ambrey also advises that merchant vessels calling Iranian ports adopt a non-confrontational approach, acknowledging radio communications and permitting inspections when instructed. In order to mitigate the risk of miscommunication/misunderstanding, it is advised to manage crew deck movements and designate safe muster points for the crew.
