Barbados-Registered Bulk Carrier Attacked in Strait of Hormuz
A Barbados-registered bulk carrier, the *Ocean Pretty*, was attacked by rocket and gunfire while navigating the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. This incident raises significant concerns regarding maritime security in a region critical for global oil transportation, particularly amid escalating tensions related to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor, facilitating nearly 20% of the world’s oil trade.
According to a sailor aboard the *Ocean Pretty*, the vessel was struck without any prior warning. Fortunately, no crew members were reported injured during the attack. However, the ship is currently stranded near Bandar Abbas, a southern Iranian port city, awaiting inspection. The extent of the damage to the vessel remains unclear. In an attempt to enhance safety while traversing the high-risk area, the ship had raised Chinese flags, a tactic sometimes employed in such situations. However, warnings circulated in private chat groups suggest that this measure may not guarantee safety.
Maritime Authorities Respond to Rising Tensions
In light of the recent attack, the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR) is closely monitoring the situation and has issued operational guidance for vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz. The BMSR emphasized that under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Strait is classified as an international strait, allowing for free navigation. The registry stated that Iran does not possess the legal authority to unilaterally close the Strait to international traffic, affirming that Barbadian-flagged vessels retain the right to transit the area.
Despite this legal framework, the BMSR has strongly advised ship owners, managers, and masters to conduct comprehensive risk assessments and consider avoiding the Strait of Hormuz when operationally feasible to ensure crew safety. While the BMSR does not deem it necessary to issue a specific Marine Circular at this time, it will continue to monitor developments closely.
Since the onset of the conflict, many vessels have either ceased using the Strait or are waiting in nearby waters for safer conditions. Data indicates that daily traffic through the Strait has plummeted by approximately 95% since the conflict began on February 28. Before the war, around 138 ships passed through the Strait daily, but recent statistics show that only about five to six vessels are currently attempting the passage each day. This dramatic decline underscores the heightened risks associated with navigating this crucial maritime route.
