Marine Security Bulletin: 16/2026 - Multiple attacks in the Strait of Hormuz

MARINE SECURITY BULLETIN – 16/2026

Dear Shipowners, Operators and Masters

Subject: Multiple attacks in the Strait of Hormuz

Starting on 6 July 2026, there have been multiple attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

At approximately 2119 UTC on 6 July 2026, the UKMTO has reported that an oil tanker was hit by an unknown projectile on the port side engine room while the vessel was travelling southbound approximately 8 nautical miles east of Limah, Oman. The projectile caused a fire, but no crew casualties or environmental impacts have been reported.

At approximately 1305 UTC on 7 July 2026, an oil tanker was hit with an unknown projectile on the port side upon exiting the Strait of Hormuz approximately 16 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates. The vessel has proceeded to its next port of call with no reported casualties.

On 7 July 2026, an oil tanker was struck by an unknown projectile approximately 6 nautical miles east of Musandam Peninsula, Oman. The vessel sustained minor structural damage, but no reported casualties or environmental impact. The vessel is proceeding to the next port of call.

These three incidents reported this period have resulted in the Joint Maritime Information Center increasing the Strait of Hormuz threat level to SEVERE. Traffic flows remained stable in the Strait of Hormuz, with anchorage congestion unchanged across the region. Navigational system interference and wider regional military activity continued to warrant caution, and recurring GNSS interference persisted at consistent levels.

Recommendations

Mariners are strongly advised to refer to the Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) advisories: https://www.ukmto.org/partner-products/jmic-products for authoritative detail, including geographic limits, conditions of transit, and inspection and authorization requirements, including additional guidance to the threats, mitigations and considerations to transiting this area. Vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz approaches, Gulf of Oman, and adjacent waters are advised to maintain heightened awareness, ensure maximum bridge readiness, and exercise appropriate caution with bridge-to-bridge VHF communications.

All owners, operators, and crews should remain cognizant of the elevated threat in the affected area and perform detailed, vessel-specific, voyage- specific and activity specific risk assessments for any operations or transit through the affected area.

All vessels should report to the UKMTO and register with the Maritime Security Centre for the Indian Ocean (MSCIO) in accordance with industry BMP (Best Management Practices) and take advice from the coalition forces operating in the area. Best Management Practices for Maritime Security (BMPMS) will continue to provide the necessary guidance for shipping to ensure threat and risk assessments are developed for every voyage to mitigate the risks presented by remaining security threats in the region. The shipping industry will continue to monitor and advise on maritime security threats to assist the safe transit of vessels and the seafarers.

UKMTO acts as the primary point of contact for merchant vessels and liaison with military forces in the region. Vessels are encouraged to register with UKMTO and report their positions(By email daily at 08.00 UTC) whilst operating in the area.

The MSCIO is the planning and coordination centre for the EU Naval Forces (EU NAVFOR). MSCIO encourages companies to register their ships’ movements before entering the Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA).

All vessels transiting the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and North Araiian Sea are also encouraged to report to the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFCIOR), this is a voluntary reporting measure that promotes cooperation, stability and communication with partner stakeholders in the region as well as aligns with the most recent measures published in BMP MS. Vessels with voyages through this area can use the Vessel’s Reporting Form at IFCIOR’s website.

Contact Information

In an emergency, vessels transiting the Arabian Sea, Straits of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman should contact NAVCENT Battle Watch Phone: +1-813-529-7430, Email: cusnc.bwc.mil@us.navy.mil; Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) Primary Watch Floor Phone: +1-813-529- 7108, Alternate Mobile Phone: +973- 3986-4800, Email: m-ba-navcent-ncags@us.navy.mil or mbanavcent-ncags-ice@us.navy.mil

Contact MSCIO prior to transiting the Western Indian Ocean, the Somali Basin, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea. The contact details of MSCIO are:

Maritime Security Centre – Indian Ocean (MSCIO) Email postmaster@mscio.eu

Telephone +33 (0) 298 220 220 +33 (0) 298 220 170

Fax +44 1923 958520 Website www.ukmto.org

When transiting the Western Indian Ocean, the Somali Basin, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and Red Sea. Register their vessels with UKMTO

Email: watchkeepers@ukmto.org and ukmto@eim.ae

Phone: +44 - 2392-222060, +971-50-552-3215 Fax +44 1923 958520

Please keep LISCR’s Security Department informed of any security incidents at: Office of the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs

Republic of Liberia

22980 Indian Creek Drive, Suite 200 Dulles, Virginia 20166 USA

D: +1 571 495 5944 / O: +1 703 790 3434 / F: +1 703 790 5655 Email: Security@liscr.com www.liscr.com

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