UKMTO reports two tanker incidents off Oman as Kuwait says it intercepts Iranian drones

Two separate maritime incidents occurred off the coast of Oman on Saturday, raising concerns about shipping safety in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported the events, which involved two tankers.

The first incident saw a tanker struck by an unknown projectile approximately 11 nautical miles northeast of Lima, Oman. The impact damaged the vessel's engine room, leaving it disabled. Fortunately, no casualties or environmental damage were reported.

Later, a second report emerged of an incident 21 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. The master of another tanker observed a large splash and an explosion near the ship, though no damage was sustained. Both Lima and Khasab are located on Oman's Musandam Peninsula, a critical gateway to the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil trade passes.

These incidents occur against a backdrop of increased maritime risks in the region, with vessels reporting security issues in recent weeks as tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated. Shipping owners have been advised to take additional precautions.

In a related development, Kuwait's army reported intercepting and destroying hostile drones in its airspace since dawn. The army stated that an Iranian attack targeted several vital facilities, causing material damage to a government facility and civilian property but no casualties. Falling shrapnel was reported.