Attack - Strait of Hormuz

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Incident Details

Incident Details

Description

A UAE-flagged tug, the MUSSAFAH 2, was reportedly struck while positioned approximately 18 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, near the Strait of Hormuz. At the time of the incident, MUSSAFAH 2 was en route to assist the vessel SAFEEN PRESTIGE (see Maritime Flash). Initial reports indicate that all crew members onboard were killed in the attack, estimated at eight or nine crew members.

Key findings

This represents the first UAE-flagged vessel to sink with UAE casualties, signalling a significant new phase in regional maritime tensions amid the current conflict.

Recommendations

• The Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz are considered critical risk
• As per the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) Alert 2026-001A, vessels are advised to maintain a minimum 30 nautical mile standoff from US military vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea due to ongoing military operations and potential retaliatory action.

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