Marine Security Bulletin: 31/2026 - Vessel attacks in the Strait of Hormuz

August 2026

MARINE SECURITY BULLETIN – 31/2026

Dear Shipowners, Operators and Masters

Subject: Vessel attacks in the Strait of Hormuz

Reference:

(a) Update 089 to JMIC Advisory Note 25 August 2026

(b) Marine Security Advisory 03/2025/Rev.4

On 24 August 2026, a Liberian flagged tanker has reportedly been struck by an unknown projectile in position 26⁰ 13.8’N, 056⁰ 34.2’E, while transiting outbound from the Strait of Hormuz. The impact caused damage to the port side near the purifier room above the waterline. Shortly after, the engine room was filled with smoke and the fixed CO2 fire-fighting system was activated. The vessel suffered a complete blackout and is currently without propulsion. The vessel is currently operating on the Emergency Diesel Generator. No crewmembers have been injured and no pollution risks identified. Due to the lack of power, vessel is unable to drop anchor and unable to maneuver and tug assistance is being coordinated.

Liberian flagged vessels transiting the Arabian Gulf, Straits of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and North Arabian Sea (affected area) are to operate at security level 3 and implement all protective measures in their Ship Security Plan. Vessels in the ports of the affected area are required to act upon the security level set by the Designated Authority at those ports. 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, exercise appropriate caution with bridgeto-bridge VHF communications and consider using means to reduce the ship’s infrared signature. 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.

Vessel owner/operators are encouraged to attempt spraying firehoses over the outer hull of the vessel aft of the engine room. This can help with cooling the skin of the ship and reduce projectile’s ability to target a vessel due to a reduced infrared signature and other methods of signature reduction.

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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