Crewmember missing after bulker struck in Hormuz

U.S. Central Command A seafarer is reported missing after a Greek-operated bulk carrier was struck by an unidentified projectile while sailing northbound through the Strait of Hormuz, the latest merchant ship casualty in waters off Oman. The Liberian-flagged Minoan Pioneer was hit at around 2200 UTC on Monday approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, according to maritime risk intelligence firm Vanguard Tech. The projectile reportedly struck the vessel’s engine room, causing a complete blackout, while a fire subsequently broke out in the accommodation block. The ship’s third engineer was reported missing as the crew attempted to contain the blaze and called for assistance. There has been no independent confirmation of the seafarer’s status. The initial distress call was relayed by the nearby Panama-flagged tanker Surianame Prosperity, which reported that Minoan Pioneer had lost all power and required help.< UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed receiving a distress call from a vessel in the same position and at the same time, saying the ship had been struck by an unknown projectile. Military authorities are investigating. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The 2011-built Minoan Pioneer is a 57,000 dwt supramax bulker managed by Greek interests. The casualty marks the fourth maritime security incident reported close to Oman’s Musandam Peninsula within five days and underlines the dangers facing ships attempting to use the Omani side of the strait. An LNG carrier was hit in its engine room on Friday while sailing eastbound, sparking a fire and leaving it without propulsion. The crew escaped injury and received assistance from the Omani Coast Guard. A tanker later reported an explosion and large splash close to the vessel, while another master heard an explosion nearby on Sunday. Neither ship reported damage. Traffic through Hormuz remains heavily disrupted by drone and projectile attacks, military activity and uncertainty over which routes can be transited safely. With the US midterm elections just three months away on November 3, the Iran war is becoming an increasingly damaging political liability for president Donald Trump — a vulnerability Tehran has every incentive to exploit by prolonging the conflict. Follow Us Sam Chambers Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune. Newsletter DAILY SPLASH NEWSLETTER Subscribe now for FREE daily news updates. Subscribe Read Next August 4, 2026 Torm tied to MR newbuild series in China August 4, 2026 Minerva adds to boxship newbuild series August 4, 2026 Arcadia expands newbuild programme with Hengli LR2 trio August 4, 2026 Three seriously injured as drone strikes Turkish roro off Novorossiysk August 4, 2026 MSC sues CargoLoop over electric vehicle fire