Key Points
- The vessel sustained engine room damage, but there were no crew casualties
- UKMTO said no environmental impact had been reported
- The agency did not identify the tanker, its route or the type of projectile
ISLAMABAD: A tanker was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its engine room, while its crew remained safe, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said Sunday
The latest incident adds to mounting risks for commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor where repeated attacks on vessels have severely disrupted maritime traffic since the war between Iran, the United States and Israel began.
UKMTO said an “unknown projectile” struck the tanker but provided no details about the vessel’s flag, origin, destination or cargo. It also did not specify when the attack took place.
The agency said the vessel’s engine room was damaged, while all crew members were safe. No environmental impact had been recorded when the incident was reported.
The identity and source of the projectile were not immediately established.
Tanker shipping risks remain high
The Strait of Hormuz, separating Iran from Oman and the United Arab Emirates, is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints for energy supplies.
Before the war, about one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments passed through the waterway. Its disruption has therefore raised persistent concerns for crude oil, liquefied natural gas and refined fuel supplies to international markets.
READ ALSO: Missile Hits Tanker near Strait of Hormuz
Iran has sought to impose tighter control over shipping through the strait since the conflict began on February 28. Commercial vessels have repeatedly come under attack, while Tehran has objected to ships transiting the waterway without its authorisation.
The United States has also targeted vessels it says were attempting to circumvent its counterblockade of Iranian ports.
The latest incident occurred after a series of attacks and security alerts involving tankers and other commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz. UKMTO’s incident log shows several tanker attacks involving unidentified projectiles in recent days.
Hormuz remains key to Iran-US talks
The Strait of Hormuz and its security have also emerged as a major obstacle in negotiations between Iran and the United States over ending the conflict.
Although attacks on commercial shipping have continued, the United States has not carried out strikes on Iran since September 1, according to the information available in the latest report.
The latest UKMTO report did not indicate whether the damaged tanker was carrying crude oil, refined petroleum products or liquefied natural gas.
Authorities are investigating the incident, while UKMTO continues to advise vessels operating in the area to exercise caution and report suspicious activity.
