Bulk Carrier Attacked by Multiple Small Craft off Iran
Al Jazeera Staff
A bulk carrier reported being attacked by multiple small craft off the coast of Iran near the Strait of Hormuz; all crew are safe and no environmental damage was recorded. The incident highlights rising tensions in the region, with Iran controlling the waterway since late February and the US enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports since April 13.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on May 5 that a bulk carrier reported being attacked by multiple small craft off the coast of Iran, near the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident occurred 11 nautical miles (approximately 20 km) west of Sirik, Iran. UKMTO confirmed that all crew aboard the unidentified vessel, which was traveling north, were "safe" and that "no environmental impact was recorded."
Sirik is located on the Iranian side of the Strait of Hormuz, a region that has become a focal point in the conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran.
Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran has maintained tight control over this vital waterway since the war erupted in late February, disrupting the flow of oil, gas, and fertilizers to the global economy and driving up prices.
In response, the US imposed a blockade on Iranian ports on April 13, just days after a fragile ceasefire took effect.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) on the same day announced that the 49th vessel attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports had been diverted as part of the blockade. "As of today, 49 commercial vessels have been diverted to comply with the blockade. US forces remain fully committed to rigorous enforcement," CENTCOM posted on social media.
