Iranian authorities are attempting to close the Straits of Hormuz by warning traffic over Channel 16 that the Straits are closed, with mounting attacks, and three vessels having been struck so far as of March 1.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) in Dubai confirmed that such calls were made but stressed they are not an authorised method of closing the Strait, advising merchant vessels to continue transiting the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) with caution.
Meanwhile, the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), based in Bahrain, has labelled the situation “critical,” citing active kinetic threats and significant GPS disruption, urging vessels to verify navigational data.
Traffic remained heavy eastbound on February 28, but by March 1, AIS data showed the TSS largely clear, with clusters of ships anchored off Dubai and Khor Fakkan on either side of the route.
The Omani Maritime Security Centre reported that the Palau-flagged tanker Skylight was struck five nautical miles off the Musandam Peninsula, within Omani waters. Four crew members were injured, and 20 others were evacuated.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and other sources, three additional vessels were hit: the crude tanker MKD Vyom near Muscat, where one crew member was reportedly killed; Hercules Star off Mina Saqr; and the product tanker Sea La Donna near Abu Dhabi.
Severe GPS disruption is complicating tracking efforts, with several affected vessels showing signs of AIS spoofing, including erratic speeds and false positions.
Credit: Maritime Executive
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