Hormuz ship hit; crew member missing, firm says

A crew member was reported missing after a vessel was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz and caught fire, British maritime security company Vanguard Tech said.

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said the vessel reported being hit 20 nautical miles, or 37 kilometres, northeast of Al Khasab, Oman. It said authorities were investigating.

Vanguard Tech identified the ship as the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier MINOAN PIONEER and said it was hit while transiting northbound through the strait at 2:00 am, or 2200 Monday GMT.

The company said the projectile reportedly struck the engine room, while a fire broke out in the accommodation area. It said the crew needed assistance and the third engineer was reported missing.

Vanguard Tech said the initial distress call was relayed by the nearby Panama-flagged tanker SURIANAME PROSPERITY, which reported that the MINOAN PIONEER had suffered a complete blackout and required help.

The incident came amid concerns over US-Iran diplomacy and traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas supplies. US President Donald Trump said the waterway could reopen within hours, while Iran said no talks with Washington were under way.