The third engineer of the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Pioneer is missing after the vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident occurred about 20 nautical miles northeast of Al Khasab, Oman, at 22:00 UTC on 3 August 2026. Authorities began investigating the incident.
UKMTO said a cargo vessel reported on VHF Channel 16 that it had been hit by an unknown projectile.
The strike targeted the engine room. A complete blackout followed aboard Minoan Pioneer, while a fire broke out in the accommodation area.
Crew members attempted to extinguish the fire before discovering that the third engineer could not be located.
Maritime security company Vanguard Tech said the bulker transmitted a distress call that was received by the Panama-flagged tanker Surianame Prosperity.
The incident followed two reported near misses involving the VLCC Egypt Prosperity and the Aframax tanker On Pride in Omani waters in the Strait of Hormuz. Both vessels reported explosions nearby but were not damaged.
