After the Strait of Hormuz was closed again, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards shot at at least one ship and also threatened the TUI cruise ship “Mein Schiff 4”. As the British Maritime Security Agency (UKMTO) announced on Saturday, the captain of a tanker reported an attack by two Revolutionary Guard patrol boats around 37 kilometers northeast of Oman. Without warning, the boats “shot at the tanker,” the authority said. The tanker and the crew were therefore safe.
Security firm Vanguard Tech said the tanker was the Indian-flagged Sanmar Herald. Accordingly, the shots damaged windows on the command bridge.
Vanguard Tech also said that the Revolutionary Guards threatened the passenger-less cruise ship “Mein Schiff 4” as it crossed the Strait of Hormuz on the Oman side. According to the captain, the Revolutionary Guards declared: “We are carrying out an operation, we will shoot and destroy you.” An impact was reported near the ship, but no damage was reported. The “Mein Schiff 4” successfully passed the strait as did its sister ship “Mein Schiff 5”. In a third incident, a container ship reported being hit by an “unknown projectile,” according to the UKMTO. Several containers were damaged, but no fire broke out. Read more about this here.
According to a media report, the Dutch government is putting the first stage of its energy crisis plan into effect. The plan drawn up in 2022 as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine will be activated for the first time, reports the ANP news agency, citing government circles. This move indicates that fuel markets are disrupted without any immediate shortages. Energy markets are now being closely monitored as the government and the economy prepare for a worsening situation. There is currently no statement from the government. Prime Minister Rob Jetten announced on Friday that he would present measures to cushion rising energy costs on Monday.
The four cruise ships “Celestyal Journey”, “MSC Euribia”, “Mein Schiff 4” and “Mein Schiff 5” have begun their passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Data from tracking websites show that “Mein Schiff 4” from the provider Tui has already completed the passage. The other three ships are currently moving near the coast of Oman.
