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A northbound bulk carrier was attacked by multiple small craft approximately 11 nautical miles west of Sirik, Iran, at 1130 UTC on May 3, UKMTO confirmed. All crew were reported safe and no environmental impact was detected.
AIS tracking data from ShipAtlas indicates the vessel involved is most likely the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Falcon, which was heading northbound at the time of the incident before switching off its transponder following the attack.
The incident is the first confirmed attack on a commercial vessel in the region since April 22, an 11-day gap in confirmed maritime strike activity. Iran denied the attack, with semiofficial outlets claiming the vessel had been stopped for a routine documents check.
Vessel dimensions, cargo, operator, and full damage assessment have not been publicly confirmed. UKMTO has advised vessels in the area to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.
Authorities are investigating. Iran's denial has not been independently verified.
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