On 1 May, an incident within the IRTC, 92NM southwest of Al Mukalla, Yemen, where the Master of a bulk carrier observed a black-hulled skiff carrying seven-armed persons approaching the vessel.
Furthermore, on 2 May, a suspicious approach 84NM southwest of Al Mukalla, where a vessel was approached to within 500 metres by a green-hulled skiff accompanied by a white fishing vessel.
The following day, 3 May, several additional incidents, including vessels in the vicinity of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE being directed via VHF broadcast to leave their anchorages, as well as an attack 11NM west of Sirik, Iran, where a northbound bulk carrier was approached by multiple small craft. The vessel has been identified as the Minoan Falcon, a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier transiting north towards the Strait of Hormuz. All crew were reported safe, with no environmental impact.
Later the same day, an incident 78NM north of Fujairah, UAE, in which a tanker was struck by unknown projectiles, although all crew remained safe and no environmental damage was reported. In all cases, vessels to transit with caution, report suspicious activity, and noted that investigations by the relevant authorities are ongoing.
According to the advisory published by JMIC, the maritime security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz (SoH) remains CRITICAL due to ongoing regional military operations. Mariners should expect increased naval presence, enhanced force protection postures, potential VHF hailing, and congestion near anchorage areas.
Masters should consider:
- Continuous monitoring of VHF Channel 16
- AIS transmission in accordance with company policy
- The proximity and dangers of any reported mines or threats along intended transit routes
- Reporting unusual activity to recognized reporting centres
Conditions for orderly transit of the Strait of Hormuz
Details: The U.S. has established an enhanced security area to support Strait of Hormuz transits south of the Traffic Separation Scheme.
Position/Area: South of the Traffic Separation Scheme in the Strait of Hormuz
Action: Vessels choosing to transit the Strait of Hormuz should consider routing via Oman territorial waters south of the Traffic Separation Scheme.
Due to anticipated traffic volume, coordination with Oman authorities via VHF channel 16 is advised to maintain safety of navigation. Transit via or in close proximity to the Traffic Separation Scheme should be considered extremely hazardous due the presence of mines that have not been fully surveyed and mitigated.
Operators are encouraged to carefully review risk assessments and routing ahead of transit.