(Photo courtesy of Anadolu)
ISTANBUL — A vessel was reportedly struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, November 1, prompting a maritime security warning from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
In an advisory, UKMTO said the captain of a merchant vessel reported receiving a Mayday distress call over VHF Channel 16 indicating that another ship had been hit by a projectile.
The agency recorded the incident at 1509 GMT on November 1 but did not identify the vessel involved or provide details on possible casualties, damage or the origin of the projectile.
UKMTO urged ships operating in the area to exercise caution and report suspicious activities as authorities investigate the incident.
The reported strike followed a series of attacks on commercial tankers in October across the Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. Maritime security reports indicated that some incidents resulted in fires and damage to vessels.
Security concerns have intensified along the strategic waterway amid continuing tensions between the United States and Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major shipping route for global oil and liquefied natural gas exports, making disruptions in the area a significant concern for international energy markets.
The latest incident comes against the backdrop of renewed hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, followed by a ceasefire in April. Fighting between Washington and Tehran reportedly resumed in July as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict stalled.
Authorities have yet to establish who was responsible for Sunday’s reported attack.
