A CONTAINERSHIP has been hit by what experts say is a missile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Malta-flagged 1,740 teu Safeen Prestige (IMO: 9593517) was heading eastbound through the strait when it was hit above the waterline at 1109 hrs on March 4, around two nautical miles north of Salib, Oman.

UKMTO said the attack reportedly resulted in an engine fire on board. Safeen Prestige’s crew evacuated the vessel and have since all been accounted for.

The 2013-built boxship is operated by AD Ports Group container line subsidiary Safeen Feeders between the United Arab Emirates and Djibouti.

Military experts say the hit was achieved by an anti-ship cruise missile, though that has yet to be confirmed by Lloyd’s List.

UKMTO said military operations in the area involving the US, Israel and Iran “have sharply escalated the risk environment in the region for vessels operating in the areas – Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Middle East Gulf, and Northern Arabian Sea.”

The agency is advising masters and operators to avoid transiting the affected areas where possible, and if not maintain a standoff distance of 30 nautical miles from military units where possible.

“Operators should not assume immunity based on neutral or commercial status”, UKMTO said, adding that an “elevated risk exists for vessels loitering, conducting slow-speed operations, or deviating unexpectedly from planned routes”.

The attack comes shortly after an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander said Iran’s navy would “set fire” to ships crossing the strait.

While the chokepoint has not been deemed officially closed, Iranian threats, attacks on vessels and ports combined with the cancellation of charterers’ lability war risk extensions has been enough to deter owners from sending vessels through the strait.