Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated again on 18 April, with multiple maritime incidents reported less than 24 hours after Iran and US President Donald Trump said the strategic waterway was fully open.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a tanker sailing around 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman was approached by two gunboats from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The vessel’s master reported that no VHF challenge was made before shots were fired. UKMTO said the tanker and its crew were safe.
In a separate alert, UKMTO reported that a container ship 25 nautical miles northeast of Oman was struck by an unknown projectile, causing damage to some containers. No fire and no environmental impact were reported.
A third incident involved a cruise ship whose master reported seeing a splash close to the vessel around 3 nautical miles east of Oman.
Industry reports suggest the tanker involved may have been the Indian-flagged VLCC Sanmar Herald, IMO 9330563, which reportedly changed its AIS name to INDIANSHIPINDIANCREW. A circulating recording believed to be from a VHF exchange includes a crew member identifying the ship as Sanmar Herald and saying the vessel had been given clearance to proceed before coming under fire and attempting to turn back. AIS tracking data from Pole Star Global reportedly matches the timing and location set out in the UKMTO alert.
Earlier in the day, the Sanmar Herald had already approached the entrance to the Strait for an eastbound transit before turning around and later making a second attempt, during which it appears to have been fired upon.
It was also reported that a spokesperson for the Iranian Armed Forces Central Headquarters said Iran had restored the Strait of Hormuz to its “previous state” after the US failed to lift its blockade on Iranian ports. The Strait was described as being under the strict management and control of the armed forces.
At the same time, four CMA CGM vessels — CMA CGM Galapagos, CMA CGM Manuas, CMA CGM Everglades and CMA CGM Diamond — were attempting to transit the Strait, but all four later turned back toward the Arabian Gulf.
