UK maritime authority reports tanker targeted exiting Strait of Hormuz

In the past 24 hours, three tanker incidents have been reported in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The first incident involved a crude oil tanker being struck by unknown projectiles, while a second incident saw a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker also struck by an unidentified projectile. UKMTO has advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to the organization.

A third incident occurred 11 nautical miles north of Khasab, in Oman's northern Musandam governorate. In this case, a tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz was hailed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and instructed to turn back or face potential targeting. The tanker's Master confirmed compliance with the IRGC's directive.

These recent incidents follow at least two other tanker strikes in regional waters on Thursday, as reported by UKMTO. The agency's weekly Voluntary Reporting Area overview, published on that day, highlighted that vessels continue to be targeted along the southern route near Oman. Military activity in the region is keeping the risk to shipping elevated.

Since early July, a total of 48 projectile strikes have been reported to UKMTO, with 31 incidents occurring along the southern Omani route and 25 involving damage to engine rooms.