Tanker Catches Fire After Being Hit By ‘Unknown Projectile’ In Strait Of Hormuz

A tanker was hit by an “unknown projectile” in the Strait of Hormuz this week, causing a fire that was later put out, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Thursday.

The incident happened near Khasab, a coastal city in Oman, and was reported to UKMTO on Tuesday. All crew members were safe, and there was no reported environmental damage.

The agency did not identify the tanker or provide its nationality or direction of travel. Authorities are investigating the incident.

UKMTO advised ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity.

Tensions between the United States and Iran continue to rise. Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in late February.

Iran has attacked vessels it accuses of bypassing its preferred route and has tried to charge tolls to vessels passing through the waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important choke points. Any security incident there can affect shipping operations in the area.

The United Stated has increased economic pressure on Iran. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that Washington was pursuing the “economic asphyxiation” of Iran.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Wednesday that the new U.S. sanctions “will not achieve anything”. Iran also blacklisted 45 tankers this week, saying they had violated its rules for transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The authority, a newly established Iranian body overseeing the Strait of Hormuz, issued the warning in a social media post late on Sunday. It said vessels involved in ship-to-ship transfers with any blacklisted ships could also be added to the list.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. UKMTO has not provided further details about the vessel or the circumstances of the strike.

References: UKMTO, cnbctv18

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