MUSCAT: An oil tanker caught fire after being struck by an “unknown projectile” while sailing near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
The incident occurred off the coast of Oman as the tanker was travelling southbound through waters close to one of the world’s busiest energy shipping corridors.
In a maritime advisory, the UKMTO said the vessel reported being hit on its port side by an unidentified projectile, which ignited a fire on board.
UKMTO WARNING 080-26 – ATTACK
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— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) July 6, 2026
“A tanker has reported being hit by an unknown projectile on the port side, causing a fire whilst travelling southbound,” the agency said.
The UKMTO added that there were no reported casualties among the crew and no immediate indication of any environmental damage or oil spill resulting from the incident. The circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, and the source of the projectile has not yet been identified.
Authorities are expected to investigate the incident as concerns persist over maritime security in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint through which a significant share of the world’s oil exports passes.
