Chief Engineer Killed as Unknown Projectile Strikes Bulker Minoan Dignity Exiting Strait of Hormuz

The Liberia-flagged, Greek-managed bulk carrier Minoan Dignity (76,800 dwt, built 2004) was struck by an unknown projectile overnight between Aug 17 and 18 while transiting outbound through the Strait of Hormuz's southern corridor, about 0.5 nautical miles off the Omani coast. The projectile hit the starboard side and entered the engine room, killing the ship's chief engineer; two evacuation attempts were unsuccessful before the Omani Coast Guard responded. The vessel's Company Security Officer reported the incident at 01:35 UTC on Aug 18. UKMTO said no environmental impact had been reported and that authorities were investigating responsibility; no government or armed group had claimed the strike as of Aug 19. It was the second strike this month on a vessel under the same commercial management, following the Minoan Pioneer on Aug 4 — both ships had called at Bandar Imam Khomeini before being hit.