A vessel on fire in the Strait of Hormuz, approximately 9 nautical miles north of Khasab, Oman, on 29 October.
According to UKMTO, the master of a third-party vessel reported sighting another vessel on fire in the area. The condition of the crew remains unknown. Meanwhile, Iranian state media report that three tankers have caught fire after allegedly striking mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRGC Navy said the vessels were navigating what it described as an “unauthorised” southern route through the strait. According to the reports, the tankers caught fire and were subsequently abandoned along the southern shores of the waterway.
Iranian news agency Tasnim, citing the IRGC Navy, reported that the vessels had switched off their radar and navigation systems and were attempting to leave the southern route despite warnings from Iranian forces.
The IRGC also claimed that the incidents had caused environmental pollution in the strait, holding the vessels’ owners and crews responsible for transiting the route.
In a further warning to shipping operators, the IRGC Navy urged vessels not to rely on what it described as misleading information from US Central Command (CENTCOM) in cyberspace. It added that any “provocative action” would be met with a decisive response.
The claims have not been independently verified. Further details concerning the identities of the vessels, the condition of their crews, the extent of the fires and the reported environmental impact were not provided in the cited reports.
According to International Maritime Organization (IMO) data, as of 27 October 2026, there had been 121 confirmed incidents and 24 confirmed seafarer fatalities. In a recent interview to Fox News Digital, Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the IMO, stressed that every attack on a commercial vessel and every seafarer fatality represented a serious concern for the organization.
He further explained that despite the continuing confrontation, diplomatic communication channels between the IMO and Iran remained open.
US enforces blockade of Iranian ports and coastlines
Separately, the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) informed on 28 October that the United States is enforcing a blockade of all Iranian ports and coastlines, citing Iran’s continued aggression and alleged illegal attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz in violation of international law. The restrictions apply to all vessels, irrespective of flag or ownership.
Neutral vessels carrying neutral cargo, as well as vessels in ballast, travelling between neutral ports in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz may be subject to questioning, boarding and search to establish their intentions in relation to the blockade.
In view of the prevailing geopolitical situation, vessels that do not need to transit the area are advised to remain well clear to avoid unnecessary delays.
Neutral vessels operating in the affected waters are advised to maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16 and comply with all directions issued by US forces. Masters should also be prepared to alter course, stop or drift off the water (DIW) when instructed.
Vessels should ensure that relevant documentation is readily available for inspection upon request. The documents may include:
- Port or customs clearance from the last port of call (LPOC).
- Bill of lading, where the vessel is laden.
- Certificate of registry.
- A signed and stamped letter of appointment — not an email — from the agent at the next port of call (NPOC).
- Receipts or signed contracts covering provisions, bunkers, spare parts, repairs and/or crew changes at the NPOC.
- Terminal, port or berth booking confirmation for the NPOC.
All documents must be signed or stamped and available in PDF format.
Vessels transiting the area are also advised to allow additional time for their passage, taking into account increased traffic density and potential delays associated with military blockade enforcement operations.