Multiple Tankers Hit by Unknown Projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz

On Tuesday, September 29 2026, three vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz were struck by unidentified projectiles, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). Fires were extinguished and crews were unharmed. A similar incident on Monday, September 28, also resulted in a fire that was put out and the ship continued its voyage. UKMTO classified the events as “attacks” and urged vessels to exercise heightened caution.

Vessel struck by suspected projectile in Strait of Hormuz Ship Catches Fire After Being Hit By Unknown Projectile In Strait Of Hormuz Vessel struck by unknown projectile in Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO says

The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of the Iran-U.S. rivalry that intensified after the February 2026 war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. A June memorandum of understanding on freedom of navigation stalled over security disagreements, and Iran has repeatedly warned that it controls the waterway. The United States, through CENTCOM, maintains air-defense and naval support for the southern corridor, while Iranian forces continue to fire warning shots.

Fire breaks out on vessel hit by projectile in Strait of Hormuz: UK maritime agency

• Vessel traffic: Windward reported 17 vessels transited the strait on September 29, up from 16 the previous day.

The Maritime Executive

• Oil flows: Kpler data showed a seven-day average of 13.5 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude through Hormuz, matching pre-war levels. Combined crude and refined product shipments averaged 14.2 million bpd, about 80 % of the pre-war baseline. Refined product flows were 677 000 bpd, far below the pre-war 3.6 million bpd.

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• Identified vessels: Shipping intelligence firm Marisks linked the attacks to three Liberia-flagged tankers sailing “dark”: the VLCC Mersin Prosperity (299 319 dwt, operated by ADNOC), the Aframax Sinbad (115 949 dwt, managed by Anglo-Eastern), and the oil-products tanker Al Ruwais. A separate report listed the Kuwaiti tanker Al Funtas (316 648 dwt) as struck on September 28.

The Maritime Executive

• UKMTO: Confirmed the strikes, reported that fires were extinguished, and advised all vessels to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

Vessel struck by suspected projectile in Strait of Hormuz

• Iranian authorities: Through Fars News Agency and IRGC statements, Iran warned that any vessel transiting without permission would be targeted.

The Maritime Executive

• U.S. position: CENTCOM continues to provide air-defense coverage for the southern corridor, rejecting Iran’s claim of total control.

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Analysts highlight the high cost and strategic risk of the U.S. military presence. Some Washington officials argue the blockade could simply “wait out Iran,” questioning the efficacy of sustained naval protection.

3 Ships, Including Crude Oil Tanker & LNG Tanker, Struck In Strait Of Hormuz

• Number of vessels: Maritime-Executive cited three vessels struck on September 29, while AA reported two tankers (one crude, one LNG) hit the same day.

The Maritime Executive

• Vessel identities: Marisks identified Al Ruwais, Mersin Prosperity, and Sinbad; other sources mentioned an unnamed LNG carrier and the Kuwaiti Al Funtas. No source definitively confirmed flags or owners for all ships.

The Maritime Executive

• Casualties and damage: All reports agree crews were safe and fires were extinguished, but detailed damage assessments and environmental impact remain unreported.

Vessel struck by suspected projectile in Strait of Hormuz

• “The fire has since been extinguished and the vessel is underway. Crew is safe,” — UKMTO

Fire breaks out on vessel hit by projectile in Strait of Hormuz: UK maritime agency

• “There are some in Washington who say, let the blockade do its work — we can wait out Iran,” — Helima Croft, head of global commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets

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