Marine Security Bulletin - 17/2026 - Multiple attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman

MARINE SECURITY BULLETIN – 17/2026

Dear Shipowners, Operators and Masters

Subject: Multiple attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman

In the early hours of 14 July 2026, there have been multiple attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. The regional maritime security threat level remains SEVERE with further deliberate hostile activity likely under current conditions.

A Liberian registered oil tanker was reportedly attacked by what is believed to be a cruise missile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to the available information, the reported position of the incident was approximately 8.5 nautical miles northeast of Lima. The vessel had a total of 24 persons on board, including several persons reported injured. It was also reported that the attack resulted in the loss of the vessel’s engine propulsion and is currently under tow to a safe port.

A second Liberian registered oil tanker was reportedly attacked by a cruise missile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to the available information, the reported position of the incident was approximately 9.6 nautical miles southeast of Lima. The vessel had a total of 23 persons on board, including one reported casualty and two reported injured. The vessel is currently under tow to a safe port.

A third Liberian registered oil/chemical oil tanker was reportedly attacked by what is believed to be a cruise missile while sailing off the coast of the Sultanate of Oman. According to the available information, the reported position of the incident was approximately 40 nautical miles northeast of the Port of Sur. Information received from the vessel’s owner indicated that the vessel was on fire, engine control had been lost, and the vessel was operating on emergency generators and has made arrangements for assistance in dealing with the fire and subsequent towing to a safe port.

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-banavcent-ncags@us.navy.mil or mba-navcent-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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