Two Bolivian Cargo Ships Disappear in Iranian Waters

Two Bolivian-flagged cargo vessels, Bridge 1 and Bridge 2, disappeared in Iranian waters around May 9, 2026. The ships, which were carrying steel and involved in Iranian trade, were last located approximately 8 nautical miles from Kish Island. Six crew members remain missing, including three Iraqis, two Indians, and one Pakistani.

The International Maritime Organization confirmed that these disappearances occur within a volatile environment where 130 maritime incidents and at least 25 seafarer deaths have been recorded since February 28. This instability stems from a conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, characterized by a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

While some reports speculate the vessels were sunk by the United States, other theories suggest the crew may have been detained by Iran or another Gulf state. In response to the crisis, the Indian Seamen's Employment Office revoked the license of Lascar Marine Services, the agency that hired sailor Naveen Kumar, citing a failure to pay wages and repatriate seafarers.