The US military said on Saturday it had disabled a commercial cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman after the ship’s crew ignored warnings and attempted to run a naval blockade against Iran.
“A US military fighter jet struck the stern of Panama-flagged Ocean Molica (also known as the “Arika Sun”) with a precision munition, fully disabling the ship’s propulsion without harming the crew,” the US Central Command posted on social media.
CENTCOM said the cargo vessel had attempted to transit regional waters after leaving an Iranian port.
Reuters was not immediately able to reach the bulk carrier’s operator for comment.
U.S. Forces Disable Cargo Vessel Attempting to Violate Blockade TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces disabled a commercial cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman, Oct. 10, after the ship’s crew ignored repeated warnings and attempted to run the ongoing naval blockade against Iran. A U.S. military fighter jet struck the stern of Panama-flagged M/V Ocean Molica (also known as the “Arika Sun”) with a precision munition, fully disabling the ship’s propulsion without harming the crew. The large cargo vessel was attempting to transit regional waters after having previously departed an Iranian port. CENTCOM forces resumed America’s blockade against all ships entering or departing Iranian ports on July 14. Four commercial vessels have been disabled and 135 ships have been turned around during three months of strict enforcement. Additionally, U.S. forces have destroyed 10 tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ multibillion-dollar shadow network over the same period. All mariners are advised to heed blockade warnings from CENTCOM forces. Crews should also continue to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and contact U.S. naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when operating in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz approaches.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 11, 2026
CENTCOM warned mariners in the Gulf of Oman and the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz to heed blockade warnings, monitor notice-to-mariners broadcasts and contact US naval forces.
The number of vessels transiting the vital strait fell to the lowest in more than two months after attacks on tankers reached their highest level last week since the US and Israel launched the war on Iran in February, raising concerns over shipping disruptions and supporting crude prices.
Before the war, the Strait of Hormuz carried 20 per cent of the world’s oil consumption.
Republished from Baird Maritime.
View the original at Baird Maritime →Source: Baird Maritime
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