UK Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) confirmed that two oil tankers were struck by unidentified projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. The first incident, occurring as a vessel exited the strait, produced a small fire and a temporary blackout that was later extinguished; no crew members were injured and no environmental damage was reported.
The second attack happened a few hours later east of Oman, as another crude oil tanker reported being impacted. All crew members were safe, and the vessel sustained no environmental damage. UKMTO said authorities are investigating both incidents.
The Strait of Hormuz remains the world’s busiest oil transit corridor, with roughly a fifth of global oil and LNG passing through it. Recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s blockade of commercial shipping have intensified scrutiny of the region’s maritime security. Shipping companies have already begun reassessing routes to avoid the area.
UKMTO’s brief statement highlighted that the affected vessels resumed their journeys, underscoring the resilience of the shipping industry amid escalating tensions. The agency is coordinating with Iranian, U.S., and other maritime authorities to trace the source of the projectiles and prevent future incidents.