Hormuz Vessel Traffic Plummets to 2 Month Low with Only 7 Ships

Shipowners are combating the risk by offering captains salaries of $100,000 a month and bonuses of $50,000 per trip, far exceeding the typical $8,000 to $12,000 monthly pay for ship masters. To avoid missile strikes, some crews now operate in total darkness with navigation lights, phones, and automatic identification systems switched off while hugging the Omani coast under U.S. military protection. Maritime security firm Vanguard reported at least 14 attacks since September 20, including four vessels hit since last Saturday.