A seafarer is missing after a Greek-operated bulk carrier was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting northbound through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the latest merchant shipping casualty in waters off Oman.

The Liberian-flagged Minoan Pioneer was hit at approximately 2200 UTC on Monday, roughly 20 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, according to maritime risk intelligence firm Vanguard Tech. The projectile reportedly struck the vessel's engine room, causing a complete blackout. A fire subsequently broke out in the accommodation block.

The ship's third engineer was reported missing as the remaining crew attempted to contain the blaze and called for assistance. There has been no independent confirmation of the seafarer's status.

The initial distress call was relayed by the nearby Panama-flagged tanker Surianame Prosperity, which reported that Minoan Pioneer had lost all power and required help. UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed receiving a distress call from a vessel at the same position and time, stating that the ship had been struck by an unknown projectile. Military authorities are investigating the incident. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Minoan Pioneer is a 2011-built, 57,000 dwt supramax bulk carrier managed by Greek interests.

This casualty marks the fourth maritime security incident reported near Oman's Musandam Peninsula within five days, underscoring the escalating dangers for vessels attempting to use the Omani side of the strait. An LNG carrier was struck in its engine room on Friday while sailing eastbound, igniting a fire and leaving the vessel without propulsion. The crew escaped injury and received assistance from the Omani Coast Guard. A tanker later reported an explosion and a large splash close to the vessel, while another ship's master reported hearing a nearby explosion on Sunday. Neither vessel reported damage.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, through which roughly a fifth of global oil consumption transits daily. Repeated strikes on commercial vessels in and around the strait have already pushed war-risk insurance premiums higher for operators transiting the region, adding to freight costs across crude, products, LNG, and dry bulk trades. Continued ambiguity over attribution — no group has claimed responsibility for any of the recent Musandam-area incidents — complicates insurers' risk modelling and shipowners' routing decisions.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted by drone and projectile attacks, military activity, and uncertainty over which routes can be safely transited. With the US midterm elections just three months away on November 3, the Iran conflict is becoming an increasingly damaging political liability for President Donald Trump — a vulnerability that Tehran has every incentive to exploit by prolonging hostilities.