UKMTO: Strait of Hormuz World’s Most Dangerous Shipping Zone
The warning comes despite repeated promises by U.S. President Donald Trump to guarantee safe passage through the Strait, assurances that major global shipping companies increasingly unwilling to trust
West Asia, PUREWILAYAH.COM — The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has stated the Strait of Hormuz the most dangerous place in the world for commercial shipping, warning maritime companies to exercise “extreme caution” when entering the Persian Gulf amid rapidly escalating security threats.
In an official advisory issued Tuesday, UKMTO stated that the security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters remains at the highest possible level — classified as “critical.”
The warning comes despite repeated promises by U.S. President Donald Trump to guarantee safe passage through the Strait, assurances that major global shipping companies increasingly appear unwilling to trust.
Critical Threat Level in Hormuz
According to the British maritime authority, the U.S. Navy encountered multiple threats on Tuesday indicating a further escalation in danger for vessels operating in the region.
The advisory also confirmed that a cargo vessel inside the Strait of Hormuz had been struck by an unidentified projectile.
“The extent of the damage and environmental consequences of the attack are not yet fully known,” the statement said.
UKMTO further disclosed that commercial traffic through the Strait has fallen sharply below the historical daily average of approximately 138 ships, as many international shipping companies now avoid sending vessels through the strategic waterway.
The authority released updated incident figures covering the period from late February through May 5, 2026:
Total reported incidents: 45
Direct attacks: 25
Suspicious activities: 18
Vessel seizures: 2
French Cargo Ship Reportedly Hit Near Dubai
Meanwhile, new details emerged regarding the strike on a cargo vessel near Dubai.
According to several American officials speaking to CBS News, a land-based cruise missile struck a cargo ship in the Persian Gulf region, injuring several crew members.
Two U.S. officials told CBS News that multiple Filipino crew members were wounded after the vessel was hit by what they described as a land-to-sea cruise missile.
The ship, identified as the “CMA CGM San Antonio” and owned by a French company, was reportedly attacked late Tuesday night near Dubai.
Public ship-tracking data showed the vessel near Dubai as of Tuesday afternoon, although its current position remains unclear.
Escalating Maritime Crisis
UKMTO stated that since Sunday alone, at least three additional maritime incidents have been reported in the region, including fires aboard vessels, projectile strikes, and an attack involving small boats.
The growing instability has further deepened concerns over the future of commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic energy and shipping chokepoints. (PW)