Information provided by International Maritime Christina Association icmc.as (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.)
The week of 12 July has marked a significant deterioration in the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz and wider area. Days of back-and-forth strikes by the U.S. and Iran across the Middle East have included multiple attacks on merchant vessels.
Several serious incidents have been reported (JMIC (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.)/IMO (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.)):
12 July: The container ship GFS Galaxy was struck by an unknown projectile, causing a major engine-room fire. The crew abandoned the vessel into lifeboats and were subsequently rescued by local authorities. One crew member who was initially reported missing has now been confirmed deceased by the Indian Consulate in Dubai (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.).
13 July: The tanker Stolt Magnesium reported being struck on the starboard side by an unknown projectile. All crew members were accounted for and no pollution or environmental damage was reported.
13 July: The tanker Mombasa B was reportedly hit by a missile. Eleven crew members sustained injuries, several of them serious.
13 July: The tanker Al Bahyah was struck by a suspected missile while transiting outbound through the Strait. Two seafarer fatalities and three seafarers injured.
The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.)) continues to assess the threat level in the Strait of Hormuz as Severe, meaning that deliberate hostile action is considered highly likely under current conditions. Navigation interference continues throughout the region, including GPS disruption, communications interference, and persistent radio hails.
The ceasefire that had briefly reduced tensions several weeks ago has now collapsed, and the sanctions waiver has also been cancelled. Iran has announced the closure of the Southern transit route through the Strait. Despite this announcement, JMIC guidance issued on 12 July continues to say that route is open with coordinated transits with US overwatch remain avalilable (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.). Traffic through both the northern and southern routes has declined significantly over the week of 12 July (MarineTraffic (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.)).The US announced a new maritime blockade of Iranian ports, though humanitarian cargoes destined for Iran remain eligible for waivers. A day after announcing a 20% tariff on goods transiting the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. President Donald Trump reversed course. Posting on Truth Social (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.), he said the proposed “20% United States Reimbursement Fee” would instead be replaced by trade and investment agreements with Gulf states. (Reuters (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.))
The IMO Council reaffirmed that passage through the Strait should remain free of any tolls and charges, in accordance with international law, including the IMO Convention. (IMO (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.))
Seafarers’ welfare and the voice of the seafarer:
JOAAT-Cast (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.) A Captain’s Story from the Iran-Israel Conflict (Capt. Raman Kapoor and his wife Sarika)
Mission to Seafarers, Singapore – Port Chaplain Toh Soon Kok on LinkedIn (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.) post: “After being stranded at the Persian Gulf since late February, MT Kohzan Maru V has finally arrived safely at Singapore Anchorage. Her departure was anything but routine. At the invitation of the BSM team on 14th July, The Mission to Seafarers Singapore come alongside the crew after their arrival. Together, we spent time listening, encouraging, praying with them, and offering pastoral and emotional support. As the conversations unfolded, many of the crew spoke candidly about the harrowing experience. Their emotions were still raw. We thank God for His protection over every member of the crew. We continue to pray for their onward voyage, and for the many other seafarers who remain caught in difficult situations where progress often feels like three steps forward and two steps back. It was especially heartening to learn that BSM’s Managing Director and CEO have written a Letter of Commendation recognising the crew’s exceptional bravery, professionalism and steadfastness during their outbound transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The recognition is richly deserved. Please continue to remember all seafarers in your prayers. While most of us sleep peacefully at home, many continue to sail through uncertainty.”
MEA Government of India (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.) (14 July) “India is deeply concerned by the attacks on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz today. Both the vessels were carrying 30 Indian seafarers, among their combined crew of 46. Of the 12 Indian nationals onboard MT Al Bahiyah, one has tragically lost his life and another has been injured. Of the 18 Indian nationals onboard MT Mombasa, 9 have sustained injuries, including 2 who are reported to be seriously injured. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Indian national and wish speedy recovery to those injured.”
Other news, comment, and context:
Stop killing transport workers: ITF sounds alarm as attacks on shipping and transport workers escalate again (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.) ITF Press Release (14 July)
‘A moving target’: Two Canadian ships anxious to leave Gulf after almost five months The Canadian Press (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.) (14 July)
Seafarers attacked in the Strait of Hormuz sue shipping company in Thailand APNews (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.) (July 10)
“Analysts believe Iran might be tempted to rely on its Houthi allies in Yemen to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the gateway to the Red Sea. A senior Houthi official quoted by Iranian news channel Press TV stated on Monday that his militia could close the strait if Saudi Arabia continues its attacks.” France24 (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.) (July 15)
Seafarers’ safety must not be an afterthought The National Editorial (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.) UAE (July 14)
Iran Is Attacking a Crucial Oil-Market Lifeline: Shuttle Runs The Wall Street Journal (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.) (July 14)
‘Cycle of escalation must end’: UN condemns deadly Strait of Hormuz attacks UN News (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.) (July 14)