Tanker hit by drone while exiting Strait of Hormuz: UKMTO

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a tanker was struck by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) while conducting an outbound transit of the Strait of Hormuz. The agency issued a warning notice stating, "UKMTO has received reports from military authorities that a tanker was struck by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) whilst conducting an outbound transit of the Strait of Hormuz." The notice added, "The vessel was subject to minor damage, crew are reported as safe and accounted for and no environmental impact has been reported."

The incident was reported at 1552 GMT on Thursday, while the warning was issued on Friday. UKMTO did not identify the tanker or specify who was responsible for the attack. The agency advised, "Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO."

The Strait of Hormuz has seen escalating tensions amid the US-Iran war, raising fears of disruptions to shipping and global energy supplies despite diplomatic efforts to consolidate understandings on freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway. According to Mehr News Agency, the report added that these tensions continue to pose risks to maritime traffic in the region.