UKMTO reports tanker fire after projectile strike in Strait of Hormuz

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it received a report of an incident in the Strait of Hormuz in which a tanker was targeted by an unknown projectile, according to Mehr News.

According to the report, the crew of the tanker, which was leaving the Strait of Hormuz at the time, stated that its left side was struck by an unknown projectile, and a fire broke out as a result. The UKMTO did not immediately identify the vessel, the flag it was sailing under, or the origin of the projectile. No details were released about casualties or the extent of the damage.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and is a key route for global oil and gas shipments. Incidents involving commercial shipping in the strait have drawn international attention because of the volume of energy trade that passes through it.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly stressed that ships intending to pass through the Strait of Hormuz must comply with the announced instructions and designated routes. Iranian officials have previously stated that vessels should coordinate with relevant authorities and follow established navigation arrangements in the area.

The report did not specify when the incident occurred, nor did it name any party as responsible. UKMTO advisories of this kind typically urge vessels in the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to maritime authorities.

According to Mehr News, the UKMTO received the report of the tanker being targeted by an unknown projectile while it was leaving the Strait of Hormuz, and the crew reported that the left side of the vessel was struck and a fire broke out as a result.