An oil tanker was struck by an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman, damaging its engine room and leaving the vessel disabled, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre.
UKMTO centre said it received a report of the incident from the master of the oil tanker. The incident occurred approximately nine nautical miles (9NM) northeast of Ash Shishah, Oman.
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All crew members aboard the vessel were reported safe following the incident. However, the environmental impact of the strike remained unknown at the time of the report.
UKMTO centre advised vessels operating in the area to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to the maritime operations centre.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. It did not identify the source of the projectile or provide details about the type of projectile involved.
Authorities are investigating the incident, while further details about the tanker, the extent of the damage and the circumstances of the strike were not immediately available.
The strike comes as maritime authorities continue to urge commercial vessels to exercise heightened caution while transiting waters in the region. UKMTO centre reiterated its advice for vessels to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activity.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances of the strike and identify the nature and origin of the projectile.
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