UK Maritime Authority: Oil Tanker Hit by Unknown Projectile in Strait of Hormuz

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency stated on Friday, citing a reliable source, that a crude oil tanker suffered a hit from an unknown projectile while leaving the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.

The agency, affiliated with the British Navy, reported receiving a delayed notification about the incident, noting that authorities are investigating the matter, while advising ships to exercise caution when transiting the strait.

Earlier today, Iranian official media quoted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy as saying that four oil tankers experienced explosions and onboard fires while attempting to use what the navy described as unauthorized routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC Navy added in a statement that one of the tankers, which was carrying two million barrels of crude oil, had struck a mine.

In another incident, the UKMTO said it received a report indicating that a vessel sustained damage from an unknown projectile on its port side, approximately 40 nautical miles (74 kilometers) south of Iran's Lavan Island, causing a fire onboard. It added that the crew was safe and no environmental damage was recorded.