A tanker was reportedly hit by an "unknown projectile" in the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its engine room but causing no injuries or environmental harm, UKMTO said. The strike occurred about 20 kilometres north-east of Lima, Oman. The incident highlights rising tensions over navigation in the strategic waterway, where Iran insists ships follow routes it designates. Further inquiries are expected to determine the source of the projectile and implications for commercial traffic.
Tanker Struck by 'Unknown Projectile' in Strait of Hormuz; Engine Room Damaged — UKMTO
FILE PHOTO - A satellite image captured by Copernicus Sentinel-3A and provided by ESA shows the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Gulf of Oman with the Persian Gulf and separates Iran from the countries of the Arabian Peninsula. (is associated with: «Tanker struck by projectile in Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO says») -/ESA/dpa
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre reported that a commercial tanker was struck by an "unknown projectile" in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman on Saturday.
Damage and casualties: UKMTO said the vessel's engine room sustained damage. There were no reported injuries among the crew and no signs of environmental pollution.
Location: The incident occurred roughly 20 kilometres north-east of the Omani town of Lima, according to the agency.
Regional Context
The strike comes amid heightened tensions over navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for global oil, gas and fertilizer shipments. Iran has repeatedly insisted that vessels follow routes it designates along its coastline, saying those passages are safer. That demand has contributed to a broader dispute involving Tehran and the United States.
UKMTO: "A tanker was struck by an unknown projectile. Engine room damaged. No injuries or pollution reported."
Authorities and shipping operators will likely continue to monitor the area closely. Further investigation is expected to determine the origin of the projectile and to assess risks to commercial traffic through the waterway.
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