Newsletters
A tanker was struck by unknown projectiles approximately 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKNTO) reported.
The development comes as the United States prepares to launch its Project Freedom escort operation through the Strait of Hormuz the following morning.
"A tanker has reported being hit by unknown projectiles," UKMTO said in a statement, noting, "All crew are safe. No environmental impact has been reported."
Authorities have not provided details on the origin or nature of the projectiles. UKMTO advised all vessels in the area to transit with caution as the investigation continues.
The UKMTO has said that the maritime security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remains critical due to ongoing military operations.
The agency advised mariners to coordinate with Omani authorities via VHF channel 16 and to consider routing through Oman's territorial waters south of the traffic separation scheme, where the US has established an enhanced security area.
The incident took place in waters north of Fujairah, near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, shortly after Trump announced on Truth Social that the U.S. would begin guiding neutral ships out of the strait from Monday under "Project Freedom."
U.S. Central Command confirmed it would support the operation with guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members.
Iran had maintained a stranglehold on the strait since the U.S.-Israel war on Iran began Feb. 28. The U.S. imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports on April 13.
A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire took effect on April 8, but peace negotiations have remained deadlocked.
As of April 29, more than 900 commercial vessels were located in the Gulf, down from more than 1,100 at the start of the conflict, according to maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
2 min read
