Iran War Confirmed Vessel Attacks and Maritime Infrastructure Strikes

Number of confirmed incidents: 71 (34 vessels and 37 oil, gas, and port facilities). 

At a Glance

• Since the start of Operation Epic Fury, at least 71 maritime incidents have been recorded, including 34 commercial vessels and 37 offshore infrastructure assets that have been attacked or involved in confirmed near-miss incidents across the Strait of Hormuz, the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, Bahrain, and the Northern Arabian Gulf.
• Tankers and bulk carriers account for most incidents, indicating that core commercial shipping lanes remain the primary exposure zone.
• Several of the most serious events involved fires, structural damage, evacuations, and fatalities, including strikes during anchorage, transit, drydock, and ship-to-ship operations.
• The incident pattern shows that risk is not limited to one operating profile — anchored vessels, drifting ships, transiting vessels, and offshore infrastructure have all been affected.

Attack Patterns Across Commercial Shipping

Since the start of the Iran war, maritime security incidents have expanded across the commercial operating environment, affecting vessels at anchor, in transit, in drydock, and during ship-to-ship operations. The pattern is no longer limited to isolated strikes. It now reflects a sustained threat environment spanning the Strait of Hormuz, the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, Bahrain, and the Northern Arabian Gulf.

The current phase of the conflict shows a clear concentration on commercial vessels, with targeting behavior increasingly reflecting ownership nexus and operational alignment rather than vessel type alone.

Recent incidents in late March and early April show a further shift in the threat environment, with attacks extending into anchorage zones, territorial waters, and port infrastructure. This indicates that exposure is not limited to transit corridors, but increasingly affects staging areas and fixed maritime nodes.

This environment also extends beyond commercial shipping into offshore infrastructure, with confirmed strikes and continued exposure across oil, gas, and port-related assets.

The tracker below captures confirmed attacks and near-miss events across vessels and offshore assets. It provides a continuously updated record of the incidents, the vessel types involved, the operating context, and the emerging patterns across the conflict zone.

Key Patterns

• Tankers and bulk carriers dominate the incident set: Most incidents recorded to date involve tankers and bulk carriers, reinforcing that core commercial shipping flows remain the primary exposure point. Container vessels, support vessels, tugs, and offshore infrastructure have also been affected, but at a lower frequency.
• Exposure extends across multiple operating conditions: The attack set includes vessels struck while anchored, transiting outbound, drifting, in drydock, and during ship-to-ship operations. This indicates that the risk environment is not limited to narrow movement corridors alone.
• Serious incidents are concentrated in the Strait and adjacent Gulf zones: The Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Gulf, and Northern Arabian Gulf account for the majority of incidents recorded so far. Several of the most severe attacks involved fires, structural damage, oil leakage, evacuation, and at least one confirmed fatality.
• The threat environment is multi-vector: The incidents recorded so far include projectiles, UAV-related events, USV attacks, and close-proximity detonations. That mix reinforces the need to monitor for both direct strikes and lower-visibility near-miss activity.
• Targeting is broader than stated intent: While IRGC messaging frames strikes as focused on Western-linked vessels, incident data shows a wider impact. Sanctioned vessels and non-Western-linked ships, including a Palau-flagged tanker and an India-flagged vessel, have also been hit, indicating that strike patterns are not strictly aligned with declared targeting criteria.
• Infrastructure exposure is emerging alongside vessel risk: Confirmed strikes on offshore platforms and damage to oil, gas, and port-related assets indicate that targeting is expanding beyond vessels to include critical maritime infrastructure, increasing systemic risk across both transport and energy supply layers.

Vessel Attack Timeline

March 1

March 1 marked the first major cluster of confirmed attacks, with multiple tanker and cargo incidents recorded across the Strait of Hormuz, the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and Bahrain.

SKYLIGHT

• IMO: 9330020
• Vessel type: Tanker
• Flag: Palau
• Compliance risk: Sanctioned
• Previous port: Iraq, Basrah
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Strait of Hormuz

Summary: Struck by a projectile at anchor, causing a fire. Crew evacuated with four injuries reported. The vessel was designated by OFAC on December 20, 2025, for involvement in transporting Iranian petroleum products. Windward data shows a history of identity changes and opaque ownership structures, behavioral patterns commonly associated with sanctions evasion networks. 

HERCULES STAR

• IMO: 9916135
• Vessel type: Tanker
• Flag: Gibraltar
• Previous port: UAE
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Strait of Hormuz

Summary: Struck by a projectile while transiting outbound, with a fire reported onboard. No pollution was observed, and all crew were confirmed safe. The vessel returned to anchorage in Dubai. 

OCEAN ELECTRA

• IMO: 9402782
• Vessel type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Liberia
• Previous port: UAE
• Event type: Direct strike
• Location: Arabian Gulf

Summary: Projectile detonated in close proximity during transit. No damage reported, with no injuries or serious impact confirmed.

MKD VYOM

• IMO: 9284386
• Vessel type: Tanker
• Flag: Marshall Islands 
• Previous port: Netherlands
• Nexus: UAE
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Gulf of Oman

Summary: Struck by a USV while transiting northbound. Fire reported onboard, and one fatality confirmed. The vessel remained afloat before being towed to a safe location.

STENA IMPERATIVE

• IMO: 9666077
• Vessel type: Tanker
• Flag: United States
• Previous port: Bahrain
• Nexus: USA
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Bahrain

Summary: Struck by two projectiles while berthed at the Port of Bahrain. The strike ignited a fire that was quickly extinguished, and the vessel remained secured alongside the pier. All mariners were safely evacuated, with no onboard injuries reported. One fatality occurred shoreside, with two additional shipyard workers injured. The vessel had previously been harassed by IRGC forces in February 2026 while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, indicating repeated exposure to regional threat activity.

March 3

By March 3, the pattern had expanded into anchored and near-anchor vessel activity in the Gulf of Oman, with both near misses and confirmed strikes.

PELAGIA

• IMO: 9433626
• Vessel type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Malta
• Previous port: Brazil
• Event type: Near miss
• Location: Gulf of Oman

Summary: A UAV was observed before impacting the water nearby. No damage reported, and the vessel and crew were confirmed safe.

GOLD OAK

• IMO: 9806342
• Vessel type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Panama
• Previous port: Thailand
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Gulf of Oman

Summary: Struck by a projectile while at anchor, causing structural damage to the steel plating. No fire or water ingress was reported, and all crew were confirmed safe.

LIBRA TRADER 

• IMO: 9562673
• Vessel type: Tanker
• Flag: India
• Previous port: Vietnam
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Gulf of Oman

Summary: Struck by a projectile while anchored. Minor damage was reported to the vessel’s funnel, with projectile debris found on deck. No injuries were reported.

March 4

March 4 showed continued escalation into container shipping and tanker operations across the Strait of Hormuz, the Arabian Gulf, and the Northern Arabian Gulf.

SAFEEN PRESTIGE

• IMO: 9593517
• Vessel type: Container
• Flag: Malta 
• Previous port: UAE
• Nexus: UAE
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Strait of Hormuz

Summary: Explosion near stern following the approach by small craft, causing hull damage above the waterline and igniting a fire in the engine room. The crew abandoned the vessel with no injuries reported. Two days later, a tug assisting the damaged vessel was struck by additional projectiles in the same area. 

MSC GRACE

• IMO: 9987366
• Vessel type: Container
• Flag: Liberia
• Previous port: UAE
• Event type: Near miss
• Location: Arabian Gulf

Summary: A projectile detonated approximately one nautical mile from the vessel while drifting. No damage was reported. 

SONANGOL NAMIBE

• IMO: 9325049
• Vessel type: Tanker
• Flag: Bahamas 
• Previous port: Iraq, Basrah
• Nexus: USA and UK
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Northern Arabian Gulf

Summary: Struck by an explosion while anchored near Iraq’s Khor al Zubair port, with a blast reported on the port side following the approach of a small craft assessed as an Iranian remote-controlled explosive vessel. The incident caused cargo hold damage and oil leakage, with visible oil on the water indicating potential environmental impact. No fire was reported, and all crew were confirmed safe.

March 6

March 6 saw continued targeting within the Strait of Hormuz, including support vessels operating in proximity to previously attacked ships.

MUSSAFAH 2

• IMO: 9522051
• Vessel type: Tug
• Flag: UAE
• Previous port: UAE
• Nexus: UAE
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Strait of Hormuz

Summary: Struck by two missiles while assisting the damaged SAFEEN PRESTIGE. The attack resulted in at least four fatalities and three severe injuries among the crew.

March 7

March 7 expanded the threat environment to offshore energy infrastructure within the Arabian Gulf.

ARABIA III

• IMO: 8771332
• Vessel type: Offshore Rig
• Flag: Liberia
• Previous port: Saudi Arabia
• Nexus: UK
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Arabian Gulf

Summary: Drilling rig struck by UAVm with additional drone debris impacting a nearby platform. Injuries were reported, and all crew members on board were safely evacuated.

March 10

By March 10, incidents continued across commercial shipping routes, with both near misses and direct strikes reported.

GH KAHLO

• IMO: 9617521
• Vessel type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Bermuda
• Previous port: UAE
• Nexus: UK
• Event type: Near miss
• Location: Arabian Gulf

Summary: The master reported a splash and loud bang in close proximity. No damage was reported.

ONE MAJESTY

• IMO: 9424912
• Vessel type: Container
• Flag: Japan
• Previous port: UAE
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Arabian Gulf

Summary: Struck by a projectile at the stern while at anchor in the Gulf, with minor damage above the waterline. All crew were safe and accounted for with no injuries reported, and the vessel proceeded to a safe anchorage.

March 11

March 11 was one of the most severe days in the timeline, with multiple serious attacks affecting bulk carriers and tankers across the Strait of Hormuz, the Arabian Gulf, and the Northern Arabian Gulf.

MAYUREE NAREE

• IMO: 9323649
• Vessel type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Thailand
• Previous port: UAE
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Strait of Hormuz

Summary: A projectile strike caused an engine room fire. Three crew members were reported missing, while the remaining 20 were safely evacuated by the Omani Coast Guard.

STAR GWYNETH

• IMO: 9301031
• Vessel type: Bulk Carrier
• Flag: Marshall Islands
• Previous port: Iran
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Arabian Gulf

Summary: A projectile strike caused a breach in the cargo hold and ballast tanks, with additional damage reported to the forecastle. The vessel reported listing, but no environmental impact was observed, and all crew were confirmed safe.

SAFESEA VISHNU

• IMO: 9327009
• Vessel type: Tanker
• Flag: Marshall Islands
• Previous port: Iraq, Basrah
• Nexus: USA
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Northern Arabian Gulf

Summary: Struck by a projectile during a ship-to-ship operation with ZEFYROS within Iraqi territorial waters, causing a fire onboard. One casualty was reported.

ZEFYROS

• IMO: 9515917
• Vessel type: Tanker
• Flag: Malta
• Previous port: Iraq, Basrah
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Northern Arabian Gulf

Summary: Struck by a projectile during ship-to-ship operations with SAFESEA VISHNU within Iraqi territorial waters, causing a significant fire that was later extinguished. All crew were reported safe.

March 12

March 12 maintained the pattern of attacks on commercial container vessels operating within the Arabian Gulf.

SOURCE BLESSING

• IMO: 9243198
• Vessel type: Container
• Flag: Liberia 
• Previous port: UAE
• Event type: Direct strike
• Location: Arabian Gulf

Summary: A projectile struck the accommodation block, causing a fire that was later extinguished. No pollution was reported, and all crew remained safe.

March 16

March 16 showed continued exposure of anchored vessels near key UAE anchorage zones, with incidents extending into Fujairah-adjacent waters.

GAS AL AHMADIAH

• IMO: 9849629
• Vessel type: Tanker
• Flag: Kuwait
• Previous port: UAE
• Event type: Direct strike
• Location: Gulf of Oman

Summary: Struck by a projectile while at anchor offshore Fujairah in the UAE. Minor structural damage was reported, with no injuries to the crew.

March 19 

March 19 reflected continued spillover risk from regional strikes, with indirect impact on service and support vessels operating near energy infrastructure.

HALUL 50

• IMO: 9602796
• Vessel type: Service Vessel
• Flag: Qatar
• Previous port: Qatar
• Event type: Near miss
• Location: Arabian Gulf

Summary: The service vessel was struck by falling debris approximately 4 nautical miles east of Ras Laffan, resulting in damage to the bridge window. No structural damage was reported to the vessel, and the crew is reported to be safe.

March 30

March 30 marked a shift in exposure toward high-density anchorage zones in the Arabian Gulf, with large crude carriers targeted while stationary in staging areas.

AL SALMI

• IMO: 9534793
• Vessel type: VLCC Crude Oil Tanker
• Flag: Kuwait
• Previous port: Saudi Arabia
• Event type: Direct strike
• Location: Arabian Gulf

Summary: Struck by a drone while anchored, causing a fire onboard that was later extinguished. No injuries or pollution reported. 

April 1

April 1 showed further escalation into territorial waters near major energy export hubs, with direct strikes on tankers operating close to key LNG infrastructure.

AQUA 1

• IMO: 9573660
• Vessel type: Oil Products Tanker
• Flag: Panama
• Previous port: Qatar
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Arabian Gulf

Summary: Struck by a projectile, causing a fire onboard. Additional missiles were intercepted. No injuries or pollution were reported. The vessel ceased AIS transmission following the incident. 

April 4

April 4 reinforced that port environments remain exposed, with a confirmed strike on a container vessel while moored in Bahrain.

MSC ISHYKA

• IMO: 9154206
• Vessel type: Container 
• Flag: Liberia
• Previous port: Bahrain
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Bahrain

Summary: Struck by a drone while moored at port, causing a fire onboard. The vessel was reportedly targeted based on perceived ownership linkage. AIS transmission ceased following the incident.

April 7

April 7 highlighted continued exposure during the ceasefire window, with a confirmed strike on a commercial vessel near Iranian waters, indicating that targeting activity extended into the final hours before the ceasefire took effect.

QINGDAO STAR

• IMO: 9318163
• Vessel type: Container 
• Flag: Marshall Islands
• Previous port: Saudi Arabia 
• Event type: Direct strike
• Location: Arabian Gulf

Summary: Struck by a projectile approximately 25 nautical miles south of Kish Island, sustaining hull damage above the waterline. No injuries or pollution were reported, and the vessel continued under its own propulsion. The IRGC claimed responsibility, identifying the vessel as Israeli-linked due to prior commercial associations, highlighting continued targeting based on perceived ownership ties rather than current operations.

April 18

April 18 reflects a renewed cluster of incidents near the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire period, reinforcing that maritime risk has persisted despite the pause in hostilities. The incidents include direct engagement by IRGC naval assets, confirmed threat-based attacks, and continued projectile activity affecting multiple vessel types operating near Omani waters.

SANMAR HERALD

• IMO: 9330563
• Vessel type: VLCC Crude Oil Tanker 
• Flag: India
• Previous port: Iraq
• Event type: Direct engagement
• Location: Strait of Hormuz

Summary: Fired upon by two IRGC gunboats at approximately 09:20 UTC while carrying an estimated 1.848 million barrels of crude. The vessel reportedly held a prior Iranian transit clearance but was engaged without warning. No injuries or pollution were reported. The vessel reversed course and was last observed stalled in UAE waters with cargo undelivered, indicating a disruption to planned delivery.

CMA CGM EVERGLADE

• IMO: 9894985
• Vessel type: Container 
• Flag: Malta
• Previous port: Unknown
• Event type: Severe strike
• Location: Strait of Hormuz

Summary: Struck by an unknown projectile at approximately 11:25 UTC. Damage was reported to containers onboard, with no fire, pollution, or injuries. The incident reinforces the continued exposure of container shipping in proximity to the Strait.

MEIN SCHIFF 4

• IMO: 9678408
• Vessel type: Cruise
• Flag: Malta
• Previous port: UAE
• Event type: Near miss
• Location: Strait of Hormuz

Summary: Reported a close-proximity ordnance splash during ceasefire transit, accompanied by a direct VHF threat from IRGC forces stating “we will fire and destroy you.” The vessel had been stranded in Abu Dhabi since February 28 and remained dark on AIS before resuming movement. No damage or injuries were reported, and it completed transit in convoy. The incident meets UKMTO criteria for a confirmed attack based on direct threat and proximity.

JAG ARNAV

• IMO: 9705354
• Vessel type: Bulk Carrier 
• Flag: India
• Previous port: UAE
• Event type: Near miss
• Location: Gulf of Oman

Summary: Reported a projectile splash in close proximity at approximately 12:08 UTC, around three nautical miles off the Omani coast. The vessel immediately aborted transit and reversed course into the Arabian Gulf. No damage or casualties were reported. While not classified as a confirmed attack under UKMTO criteria, the incident was included in India’s formal diplomatic protest alongside SANMAR HERALD, highlighting its geopolitical significance.

April 22

April 22 marks a significant escalation following the April 18 incidents, with coordinated IRGC attacks and vessel seizures targeting outbound container ships during attempted transit through the Strait of Hormuz, reinforcing that ceasefire conditions have not restored safe passage. This interception came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump extended a two-week ceasefire with Iran to continue talks between the two nations. This phase introduces direct interdiction of commercial vessels, moving beyond strike activity into enforced control of transit.

MSC FRANCESCA

• IMO: 9401116
• Vessel type: Container
• Flag: Panama
• Previous port: Saudi Arabia 
• Event type: Severe strike and seizure
• Location: Strait of Hormuz

Summary: Fired upon by an IRGC gunboat at approximately 04:55 UTC while transiting outbound with AIS switched off, approximately 15NM northeast of Oman. No VHF challenge was issued prior to engagement. Hull and accommodation damage were reported. The vessel was subsequently seized and escorted into Iranian territorial waters, where it remains at anchor. No injuries or pollution were reported. 

EPAMINONDAS

• IMO: 9153862
• Vessel type: Container
• Flag: Liberia
• Previous port: UAE
• Event type: Direct strike and seizure
• Location: Strait of Hormuz

Summary: Approached and fired upon with small arms and RPGs at approximately 05:00 UTC, around 8NM west of Iran, without prior VHF warning. Initial reports of bridge damage were later downgraded to minor impact. Iran claimed the vessel was seized, though this has been disputed by Greek authorities. The crew was reported safe. 

EUPHORIA

• IMO: 9235828 
• Vessel type: Container
• Flag: Panama
• Previous port: UAE
• Event type: Direct strike
• Location: Strait of Hormuz

Summary: Fired upon during the same operational window, approximately 8NM west of Iran, while transiting outbound toward Jeddah. The vessel had resumed AIS transmission shortly after the attack window, having previously operated with AIS switched off. No serious damage or casualties were reported. The vessel later cleared the Strait of Hormuz and resumed sailing towards the Gulf of Oman.