Distress Call Sent After Vessel With 30 Crew Members Reports Attack Near Strait Of Hormuz

A vessel carrying 30 crew members sent a distress call after reportedly coming under attack near the eastern entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, according to audio recordings from a public VHF maritime radio channel obtained by Xinhua News Agency from a seafarer on Friday.

One of the recordings featured a caller, identified by the seafarer as a US military operator, repeatedly warning a merchant vessel against continuing towards Iranian waters.

The caller described the vessel as ‘non-compliant’ and warned that failing to change course could expose its engine room to an attack.

The message also instructed the crew to leave the engine room within 15 minutes.

In another recording, a vessel identifying itself as Disha reported that it had been struck by ‘unknown missiles’ and requested urgent assistance.

The caller said the ship had 30 crew members on board and provided its location near the Strait of Hormuz.

The incident occurred during a period of increased security concerns in the region, where maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has faced growing risks.

According to Xinhua, US forces have recently resumed a naval blockade targeting vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas.

The development follows an announcement by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Thursday that it had intercepted three oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC claimed one of the vessels exploded and caught fire, prompting the other two to turn back.

In a statement carried by Iranian state media, the IRGC alleged the tankers had attempted to use a mine-laid route south of the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any vessel seeking to pass without Iran’s consent would face similar consequences.