Tensions rose again in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. It was reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) opened fire on three container ships, two of which were taken under control. The incident has raised security concerns in the strait, one of the most critical transit points for global maritime trade.

Two Ships Were Taken to Iranian Shores

According to maritime security sources, the ships that were attacked, MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, were stopped by Iranian forces and directed towards the Iranian coast. Iranian authorities claimed that the ships violated maritime regulations, lacked the necessary permits, and irregularities were detected in their navigation systems.

IRGC officials described the disruption of security in the strait as a 'red line.'

Damage on the Bridge of Epaminondas

In the initial incident, it was reported that the 6,673 TEU capacity ship Epaminondas was fired upon by an Iranian warship off the coast of Oman. The attack caused significant damage to the bridge area of the ship, but there were no injuries among the crew.

Maritime intelligence company Ambrey noted that the ship did not broadcast an AIS signal during the incident, which may have heightened tensions.

Euphoria Also Targeted

It was reported that the Panama-flagged container ship Euphoria, with a capacity of 2,478 TEU, was also under fire west of Iranian territorial waters. Initial assessments indicated that the ship did not sustain major damage and the crew was safe.

MSC Francesca Stopped

Later in the day, the 11,668 TEU capacity MSC Francesca was stopped while exiting into the Gulf of Oman. It was reported that the ship's hull and living quarters were damaged due to the gunfire, after which it was ordered to anchor and was taken under control by Iranian forces.

MSC Connection Draws Attention

It was noted that the ships involved in the incidents were linked to the Swiss-based container shipping giant MSC. The company reportedly passed at least six ships through the strait without issues over the weekend.

UKMTO Warning

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the increasing military and security activities in the region and urged vessels to navigate cautiously and report any suspicious situations immediately.

Security companies emphasized that commercial ships sailing with their AIS systems turned off or not responding to calls are at risk.

Call to Mariners

The Mariners' Assistance Organization described the events as 'disgusting attacks on innocent mariners.' The organization stated that the Strait of Hormuz is no longer safe for civilian vessels and called on the countries involved in the conflict to protect the mariners trapped in the strait.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye