Oman's Maritime Security Center rescued 27 crew members of a bulk carrier after a missile strike left the vessel drifting and ablaze in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday. Iranian forces hit the MV Cape Dao with at least two projectiles, killing one crew member and causing a fire in the engine room, according to Omani officials and maritime analysts. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported the ship was on fire and adrift after the vessel's security officer reported the incident, initially noting two casualties among the 28 people on board.

The attack is the first reported fatality in a series of strikes on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which included attacks on two tankers on Sept 21 and several cruise missile launches on Sept 22. US Secretary of State Rubio stated that Iran targeted merchant ships on Wednesday morning, as US refueling aircraft were observed in the region. Authorities are investigating the strike while advising all shipping vessels to transit the waterway with caution.