The US military on Saturday, October 10, claimed that it has disabled a Panama-flagged commercial cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman after its crew ignored repeated warnings and tried to cross the ongoing US naval blockade against Iran.
U.S. Forces Disable Cargo Vessel Attempting to Violate Blockade TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces disabled a commercial cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman, Oct. 10, after the ship’s crew ignored repeated warnings and attempted to run the ongoing naval blockade against Iran. A U.S. military fighter jet struck the stern of Panama-flagged M/V Ocean Molica (also known as the “Arika Sun”) with a precision munition, fully disabling the ship’s propulsion without harming the crew. The large cargo vessel was attempting to transit regional waters after having previously departed an Iranian port. CENTCOM forces resumed America’s blockade against all ships entering or departing Iranian ports on July 14. Four commercial vessels have been disabled and 135 ships have been turned around during three months of strict enforcement. Additionally, U.S. forces have destroyed 10 tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ multibillion-dollar shadow network over the same period. All mariners are advised to heed blockade warnings from CENTCOM forces. Crews should also continue to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and contact U.S. naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when operating in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz approaches.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 11, 2026
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), an American military fighter jet struck the rear part of the vessel, M/V Ocean Molica, also known as the “Arika Sun,” using a precision munition. The strike stopped the ship’s propulsion system, leaving it unable to move under its own power. CENTCOM said no crew members were harmed in the operation.
Ship had left an Iranian port
CENTCOM said the large cargo vessel was trying to move through regional waters after leaving an Iranian port. The incident took place as US forces continued enforcing restrictions on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports.
The US military resumed its blockade on July 14. Over the past three months, four commercial vessels have been disabled, while 135 ships have been turned back for attempting to cross the blockade, CENTCOM said.
During the same period, US forces also destroyed 10 tankers connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) multibillion-dollar shadow network.
US warns ships near Strait of Hormuz
CENTCOM has advised ships operating in the Gulf of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz to follow its blockade warnings. Mariners have also been asked to monitor official Notice to Mariners broadcasts and contact US naval forces through bridge-to-bridge radio channel 16.
The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over shipping activity in the region. The number of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to its lowest level in more than two months.
Attacks on tankers also reached their highest level last week since the US and Israel launched the war on Iran in February. These developments have raised concerns about disruptions to global shipping and supported crude oil prices.
