Maritime Security Report: 22 - 29 March 2026
- Palaemon Maritime
- Mar 30
- 4 min read
This week saw 7 maritime incidents, including vessel attacks, a grounding off Norway, and a dhow hijacking in the Indian Ocean.
Download the full report here:
Executive Summary
Indian Ocean:
Maritime security in the Indian Ocean is still volatile due to wartime spillover around the Straight of Hormuz. This week saw multiple vessels and ports affected by projectile-related incidents. Simultaneously, Somali piracy gangs have opportunistically resumed hijacking operations as regional military resources are invested in the 2026 Iran War.
Europe:
Vessels that call at Russian or Ukrainian ports remain at risk, as another crude oil tanker was reportedly struck in the Black Sea after loading oil at Novorossiysk. Additionally, port areas in the Black Sea remain at risk as Ust-Luga Port was struck by a UAV once again. Meanwhile, a bulk carrier lost power and ran aground in the Norwegian Sea.
Key Incidents by Region
Indian Ocean
29 March 2026
Open-source reports indicated that the Bandar Bol pier in Bandar Khamir County, Iran, was struck by unidentified projectiles. The attack caused casualties and damage to maritime infrastructure. Reports state that five people were killed and four injured, while two vessels sustained damage. No official confirmation or further details have been released.
28 March 2026
Open-source reports indicated that the Port of Salalah, Oman, was struck by two unmanned aerial vehicles. The attack damaged a main crane and forced a suspension of port operations. One worker was reported injured. No official confirmation or further details on the incident have been released.
27 March 2026
Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree ran aground off Qeshm Island after being struck by two projectiles on 11 March while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The attack caused a fire and disabled the vessel's propulsion, leaving it adrift until grounding along the Iranian coast. Following the incident, 20 crew members were RESCUED by the Omani Navy, while three remain missing, believed to have been in the engine room. Iran-Oman rescue teams are continuing search operations.
25 March 2026
On 25 March 2026, an Iranian-flagged dhow was reportedly hijacked by suspected pirates in the Indian Ocean, initially around 400 nm east of Mogadishu. The vessel’s last known position is 04°40.00′S, 049°29.00′E, approximately 480 nm southeast of Mogadishu. Operation Atalanta is currently investigating.
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Europe
29 March 2026
Open-source report that Ust-Luga Port, Russia, was targeted by a suspected Ukrainian UAV strike. The attack caused damage and triggered a fire at the port. Authorities confirmed the fire was later extinguished and no casualties were reported. No further official details have been released.
26 March 2026
Open-source reporting indicates that the Sierra Leone-flagged crude tanker Altura was struck while underway in the Black Sea, approximately 11–14 nautical miles off the Turkish coast near the Bosphorus. The vessel, reportedly carrying around 140,000 tonnes of crude oil from Novorossiysk, sustained damage to the bridge and engine room, with water ingress reported. The tanker issued a distress call and is currently adrift, broadcasting ‘not under command’ on AIS. Turkish authorities deployed tugs and patrol craft to support the response. Unconfirmed sources suggest the involvement of unmanned systems, including a possible unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) and aerial drone. All 27 crew members are reported safe. The vessel is currently under EU, UK, Swiss, and Ukrainian sanctions.
24 March 2026
The Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier LMZ Pluto lost power and ran aground in severe weather west of the Halten Bank in the Norwegian Sea. All 23 Filipino crew members were safely evacuated by helicopter the same day, with no injuries reported. Since the evacuation, the vessel has remained adrift without propulsion under difficult conditions, monitored by Norwegian authorities. Concerns have been raised about a potential northward drift toward offshore oil infrastructure. The Norwegian Coast Guard reached the scene on 26 March to provide assistance. Authorities have planned an emergency towing operation, with RITS personnel to be deployed by air to secure towing lines before salvage teams assume control.
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Threat Outlook
Region | Threat Level | Assessment |
Indian Ocean | Very High | Active conflict still exposes vessels to missile strikes and UAV activity. |
Europe | Moderate | Military strikes to shipping and ports in the Black Sea and beyond remains a significant threat to both compliant commercial vessels and sanctioned 'shadow fleet' tankers. |
Operational Guidance
Operators should:
Avoid high-risk areas such as the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz where feasible.
Maintain enhanced watchkeeping and vigilance, particularly in conflict-affected waters.
Monitor AIS, radar, and communications for anomalies, including potential electronic interference.
Keep a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16 and respond promptly to security communications.
Avoid high-risk Black Sea ports, maintain high-alert situational awareness and strict separation from "shadow fleet" tankers in Eastern Mediterranean transit corridors to mitigate the risk of collateral damage from targeted kinetic strikes.
Exercise increased caution in anchorages and ports, especially where lighting and security presence are limited.
Report all suspicious activity or incidents to:
UKMTO
MDAT-GoG
ReCAAP
IMB / IMO
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