Limpet Mine Attack and Projectile Strikes Hit Strait of Hormuz
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported multiple attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, including a limpet mine strike on the tanker LOUISE 1.
A series of maritime attacks occurred in and around the Strait of Hormuz between October 29 and October 31, 2026. The most significant incident involved the tanker LOUISE 1, which was attacked by a small boat approximately 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. Attackers attached two limpet mines to the vessel's port side, triggering an engine room fire that temporarily disabled the ship. This represents the first successful use of limpet mines against merchant shipping in the waterway since the conflict began in February.
Other incidents on October 29 included a tanker struck by an unidentified projectile and a dhow that caught fire and sank nine nautical miles north of Khasab. On October 31, another unidentified vessel was struck by a projectile 40 nautical miles south of Lavan Island, Iran, resulting in a fire on the port side. In all cases, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that crews were safe and no environmental impacts occurred.
The Navy of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution claimed that three oil tankers exploded while using unauthorized routes, alleging one hit a mine. These attacks occur as the United States coordinates a southern transit route to protect shipping, which has become a primary target for regional hostilities.
