Container vessel hit by projectile in Hormuz forcing crew to abandon ship

A Malta-flagged container ship was reportedly struck by a projectile north of Oman on March 4. According to reports from claims specialist WK Webster, the container carrier Safeen Prestige (IMO: 9593517) was struck by a projectile north of Oman while transiting eastbound in the Strait of Hormuz on March 4, 2026.

The attack comes amid escalating tensions in the region, as Iran is launching retaliatory attacks in the wake of Israeli and American attacks on the country.

WK Webster said Wednesday the vessel reportedly sustained a fire in the engine room, prompting the crew to abandon ship. There are currently no reports of injuries or casualties.

Marine Traffic data showed the navigational status of the 23425-dwt container ship (2013-built) as “Stopped” in the Oman Gulf.

The claims specialist warns that possible general average, salvage and recovery issues may arise as a result of this casualty.

Furthermore, it recommends its clients to contact them if they are concerned with any cargo on board this vessel.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) corroborated the news of the attack in a “Warning” report on Wednesday.

Without disclosing the name of the ship, UKMTO said it had received a report of an incident 2 nautical miles north of Oman transiting eastbound in the Strait of Hormuz.

A container ship has reported being hit by an unknown projectile just above the water line, UKMTO said, causing a fire in the engine room. No environmental impact has been reported at this stage.

Authorities are investigating the incident and vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.

The incident report comes by United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a voluntary reporting scheme (VRS) for the Indian Ocean, specifically Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea.

Maritime ship experts say shipowners are increasingly wary of using the waterway, with some ships having tightened security and others cancelling routes there.