Ship catches fire in Strait of Hormuz after being hit by 'projectile'

A commercial vessel caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after being struck by an unknown projectile, forcing the evacuation of its crew. The incident occurred on Monday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

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The ship was struck by an unknown projectile. The crew evacuated the ship safely and was rescued by a tugboat.

The UKMTO reported that the ship was hit by an "unknown projectile" and that the crew evacuated safely, being rescued by a tugboat. However, the fire on board was not extinguished, and the vessel was left adrift. No environmental impact has been reported.

Earlier, the UKMTO had reported a ship on fire approximately 15 kilometers northwest of Kumzar, Oman, without specifying the cause. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, with about one-fifth of the world's oil transit passing through it before the recent conflict in the Middle East.

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The ship was struck by an unknown projectile. The crew evacuated the ship safely and was rescued by a tugboat. The fire has not been extinguished and the ship is currently adrift. No environmental impact has been reported.

This incident follows Iran's announcement that its Revolutionary Guard had seized two oil tankers attempting to transit the strait "unauthorized." The Revolutionary Guard stated that the tankers exploded and were immobilized while attempting to enter and exit via a "dangerous and risky southern route." The United States has reimposed sanctions on Iranian ports in retaliation for these actions.

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Late last night, two unauthorized oil tankers... attempting to enter and exit through what was described as the dangerous and risky southern route of the Strait of Hormuz, exploded and were immobilized.