The U.S.-flagged product tanker Stena Imperative was struck by two aerial projectiles while berthed at Salman Industrial City in the Port of Bahrain in the early hours of March 2.
The 49,800 dwt tanker, managed by Crowley in partnership with Stena Bulk USA, sustained damage and a fire broke out onboard following the impacts. The blaze was extinguished, and all crew members were safely evacuated.
However, one shipyard worker ashore was killed by debris from the strike, and two others were seriously injured.
The vessel participates in the U.S. Maritime Administration Tanker Security Program (TSP), a fleet of 10 U.S.-flagged commercial tankers designated to ensure fuel supply capability for the Department of Defense during contingencies.
Crowley previously confirmed that MV Stena Imperative, along with sister vessels MV Stena Immaculate and MV Stena Impeccable, had been contracted to transport liquid fuel supplies for U.S. military requirements.
AIS data indicate the vessel had been in Fujairah before proceeding to Bahrain. Signals were switched off on February 28 shortly before the broader escalation in regional attacks.
A formal damage survey is now underway.
As of Sunday, the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) elevated the regional maritime threat level to critical, its highest designation, indicating an attack is considered almost certain.
In a 24-hour period, at least five commercial vessels were struck or targeted across the Gulf of Oman, Musandam approaches and UAE coastal waters – one of the most concentrated waves of maritime attacks in years.
The crude tanker MKD Vyom was struck approximately 44 nautical miles northwest of Muscat, Oman. The impact above the waterline triggered an explosion and engine-room fire, killing one crew member. The vessel remained afloat with the fire under control pending towage.
The tanker Skylight, anchored five nautical miles north of Khasab, Oman, caught fire following an attack. Four of the 20 crew members were injured, and the entire crew was later evacuated.
Oil tanker Hercules Star was struck roughly 17 nautical miles northwest of Mina Saqr, UAE. A fire broke out but was extinguished. No injuries were reported, and the vessel continued under its own power.
Panamax bulk carrier Ocean Electra reported a near-miss approximately 35 nautical miles west of Sharjah, UAE. No damage was sustained.
Stand-off missile and drone threats remain active across the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. The attacks come amid a dramatic slowdown in transits through the Strait of Hormuz. Vessel-tracking data show hundreds of tankers and cargo ships holding position outside the chokepoint as operators reassess risk exposure.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has advised vessels to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately.
Security analysts note that the pattern of strikes appears indiscriminate, with no consistent operational or political linkage among targeted vessels. JMIC warned that all merchant vessels, regardless of flag or nationality, are at risk.
