Strait of Hormuz

• The Strait of Hormuz is the gateway into the Persian Gulf from the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean.

Description

• It is 21 nm (39km) at its narrowest point and was described in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (1st century CE).
• Navigation in the days of sail was difficult because a vessel had to manoeuvre through a bend of 180° against prevailing winds and fast running tides.