LONDON: An “unknown projectile” struck and induced a hearth on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman close to the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (Jul 6), British maritime safety company UKMTO stated.
The incident occurred close to one of many world’s most essential vitality delivery routes, regardless of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran and ongoing efforts to safe a long-lasting peace settlement.
The UK Maritime Commerce Operations (UKMTO) stated the incident came about eight nautical miles east of Limah, Oman.
“A tanker has reported being hit by an unknown projectile on the port aspect inflicting a hearth, while travelling southbound,” UKMTO stated in a publish on X.
The company stated there have been no reviews of casualties or environmental injury.
“Vessels are suggested to transit with warning and report any suspicious exercise to UKMTO,” the company added, saying authorities had been investigating.
US information outlet Axios reported late Monday that Iran had “fired at the very least two missiles at industrial ships”, citing two unnamed US officers. One of many officers instructed the outlet {that a} second ship was additionally struck, and had been broken considerably.
AFP has not been in a position to independently affirm the Axios report. The Pentagon didn’t instantly reply to an AFP request for remark.
The Strait of Hormuz was on the centre of tensions in the course of the Center East battle, when Iran blockaded the waterway and plenty of industrial vessels got here underneath assault, sending world vitality costs sharply larger.
