Vessel Hit by Projectile Near Strait of Hormuz

A vessel was hit by an unidentified projectile near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, the British maritime agency UKMTO reported, in the latest incident to disrupt shipping through the contested waterway.

The agency said the incident occurred off the coast of Lima, Oman, near the entrance to the strait.

The vessel’s master reported damage to its starboard side after an unknown projectile hit the ship.

UKMTO confirmed that the crew was safe and no environmental damage had been reported.

“The master reports the vessel has been struck by an unknown projectile which has caused a hole on the starboard side. Vessel and crew safe, no environmental impact reported,” the agency said in a statement.

The Strait of Hormuz handled about 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments before the Middle East conflict began in late February with US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Since the war broke out, Tehran has tightened its control over the strategic shipping route and repeatedly targeted vessels attempting to transit without its approval.

Washington has responded by imposing a blockade on Iranian ports, while diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain stalled.

Attacks on ships navigating the strait have increased in recent weeks as the United States steps up escorts for vessels passing through the waterway and Iran continues to assert control over maritime traffic.