Hormuz Crisis: One Seafarer Killed as Iran Attempts to Block Strait with Attacks.

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have reached a breaking point as Iranian authorities attempt to forcibly close the vital shipping lane. Following failed attempts to stop traffic via radio warnings on Channel 16, Iranian forces have reportedly launched attacks on merchant vessels. As of March 1, three ships have been struck, resulting in the tragic death of one seafarer aboard the vessel MKD Vyom.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has advised merchant ships to continue their passage but warned that Iranian claims of the Strait being “closed” are unauthorized. Meanwhile, the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Bahrain has labeled the situation as “critical,” citing “active kinetic hazard conditions.” Navigators have also been warned of severe GPS signal interference in the area, urging crews to cross-check their positions manually to avoid grounding or collisions amid the escalating conflict. (maritime-executive)

For more details: Navamalayalam.com