U.S.-flagged Stena Imperative hit following Operation Epic Fury strikes

Image: Crowley

The U.S.-flagged tanker Stena Imperative, which is enrolled in the U.S. Tanker Security Program is one of at least five ships damaged in the wake of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Reuters reports, citing the vessel’s owner Stena Bulk and operator Crowley as saying the vessel was damaged by “aerial impacts” while berthed and that a shipyard worker was killed as a consequence of the impact.

Following is the full text of the companies statement:

“A Crowley-managed vessel, Stena Imperative, suffered damage due to aerial impacts while berthed, shortly after 2:00 a.m. AST (local time) in the Arabian Gulf.

“One shipyard worker was reported deceased, and authorities report two shipyard workers were injured. We are saddened to learn of this tragic news, and our thoughts are with them and their loved ones.

“The initial reports are that there were two impacts on the vessel, and a fire was extinguished shortly afterward. The vessel is secure, mariners have reported no injuries, and a damage assessment is being conducted.

“Safety of all people and vessels is paramount at Crowley and Stena. We are taking every necessary step to support their well-being.”

The Stena Imperative appears to be the vessel reported by UKMTO as being struck today by two unknown projectiles while berthed in Bahrain.

Windward AI reports that four other tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman between February 28 and March 1, 2026, in the 36-hour window following the Operation Epic Fury strikes on Iran.

The attacks, says Windward, have effectively halted commercial maritime traffic through one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.

“Analysis of vessel affiliations, targeting patterns, and cargo data points to a strategy of indiscriminate area denial — not precision targeting — aimed at demonstrating Iran’s capability to disrupt the Strait and deter commercial shipping,” says Windward, which identifies the vessels as:

MKD Vyom — one crew member killed (engine room explosion); carrying ~585,000 barrels of gasoline loaded in Amsterdam, bound for Saudi Arabia.

Skylight — four crew injured; vessel caught fire; all 20 crew evacuated by Omani authorities.

Hercules Star — Strike confirmed off Mina Saqr, UAE; damage and casualty details limited.

Sea La Donna — Status unconfirmed; GPS spoofing/jamming indicators noted; no verified damage or casualties.

Windward says that Arab Gulf commercial traffic has effectively stopped. Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd have all suspended Gulf transits, war risk insurance has been cancelled, and hundreds of vessels are now at anchor or adrift.

• Download the Windward AI report HERE