A cargo vessel was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, sparking a fire onboard and forcing the crew to evacuate, maritime authorities have confirmed. The incident occurred in the narrow but strategically crucial waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a monitoring center run by the British military, reported that the vessel was hit just north of Oman. The agency described the situation as an emergency, with crew members abandoning the ship while requesting immediate assistance.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, with approximately one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments passing through it daily. Any disruption in the corridor has significant implications for international trade and energy markets.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, though Iran has previously been linked to assaults on vessels in the area amid ongoing regional tensions. Separately, the UKMTO also reported a suspected attack on a vessel near Ras al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, though details remain limited.
The incident comes amid heightened geopolitical friction in the Gulf region. Iran has denied claims that it closed the Strait of Hormuz and accused the United States of a recent attack on its frigate IRIS Dena in international waters near India, which reportedly led to significant casualties.
Maritime authorities continue to monitor developments closely as shipping operators assess risks in the vital corridor.
