U.S. Navy Strikes Panama-Flagged Containership in Gulf of Oman

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that a U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles at the Panama-flagged containership Vela Nova in the Gulf of Oman on Tuesday, disabling the vessel after it ignored repeated warnings and attempted to breach the U.S. blockade against Iran.

According to CENTCOM, the incident occurred approximately 71 nautical miles from Pakistan while the ship was westbound through international waters. The command stated that after the crew failed to comply with warnings, the helicopter targeted the Vela Nova’s engine room, disabling its steering gear and stopping it from continuing towards an Iranian port.

“Earlier today, CENTCOM forces disabled the steering gear of Panama-flagged M/V Vela Nova as the cargo vessel attempted to transit the Gulf of Oman and violate the U.S. blockade against Iran by sailing toward an Iranian port,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

The Vela Nova is 1997-built and had been sailing from India towards the Middle East before the incident. UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the ship’s master confirmed it was hit in the stern and steering compartment, leaving it not under command. All crew were accounted for without injury.

“The ship is no longer transiting to Iran in violation of the U.S. blockade, which remains in full effect,” CENTCOM added.

Context

This incident highlights the ongoing tension and enforcement efforts related to the U.S.-imposed blockade against Iran. The use of a Hellfire missile to disable a containership rather than a tanker underscores that the U.S. is actively enforcing its maritime restrictions across various types of vessels in the region.

The Vela Nova’s disruption marks the third vessel disabled by U.S. forces since the latest blockade began on July 14, and it comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. As of August 11, US forces had redirected 55 commercial vessels that attempted to bypass the blockade and had disabled three others.

Ship operators should be aware that the U.S. is intensifying its enforcement efforts, extending beyond traditional tanker routes into the Gulf of Oman. It's crucial for shipping companies to stay informed about these developments to ensure compliance with current maritime regulations and avoid potential disruptions in their operations.