Crew member killed in missile attacks on shipping in Strait of Hormuz area

Merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz area have come under missile attack following the outbreak of hostilities between US/Israel and Iran and the latter’s unilateral declaration that transits through the Strait are “banned”. At least three vessels in the area are reported to have been struck by missiles - Including the ‘MKD VYOM’ tanker where the vessel’s ship manager V.Ships Asia subsequently confirmed that one seafarer had tragically died (see separate news story) – while an unidentified projectile exploded near a fourth.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has effectively halted, bringing Gulf oil and LNG exports close to a standstill. 

Immediately following the attacks, IMO Secretary-General Mr Arsenio Dominguez issued a statement, saying: “I am deeply concerned by reports that several seafarers have been injured in attacks on merchant vessels. No attack on innocent seafarers or civilian shipping is ever justified. These crews are simply doing their jobs and must be protected from the effects of wider geopolitical tensions.

“Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international maritime law, and it must be respected by all Parties, with no exception.

“I am monitoring the situation closely, and I urge all shipping companies to exercise maximum caution. Where possible, vessels should avoid transiting the affected region until conditions improve.

“I also call on all stakeholders to remain vigilant against disinformation and to rely only on verified, authoritative sources when making navigational decisions.

“My thoughts are with the injured seafarers and their families. Their safety and welfare are our highest priority, and the IMO will continue working closely with Member States and partners to support safe navigation and to uphold the principle that civilian mariners must never be harmed.”

Separately, the Palau Ship Registry (PSR) has refuted certain media reports that another of the vessels hit – the 11,262 DWT tanker ‘Skylight’, where four seafarers were injured and had to be taken ashore to hospital for treatment - was registered under the flag of Palau. 

PSR clarified that the sanctioned vessel was removed from the Palau registry in January 2026 in accordance with the Registry’s established compliance procedures and applicable regulatory requirements. The vessel was not registered with the Palau Ship Registry at the time of the reported incident, it categorically stated.

Meanwhile, experts at commodities market intelligence supplier ICIS report that Brent crude surged more than 8% in early Asian trade on 2 March, briefly exceeding $82 per barrel before easing back above $78, while WTI traded around $72. Brent could approach or exceed $100 per barrel if the closure persists, they predict.