A ship was struck by an unidentified projectile while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported.
The report of the incident was received today from the security officer of the operating company. According to preliminary information, the vessel was hit while it was leaving the Strait of Hormuz.
The impact caused damage to the engine room, and one crew member was injured. The remaining sailors are receiving assistance from the Oman Coast Guard.
UKMTO specified that at the moment there is no information regarding pollution or other consequences for the marine environment. The competent authorities are investigating what the projectile was and the circumstances under which the strike was carried out.
Another incident in a key maritime route
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important routes for transporting oil and liquefied natural gas. Tankers connecting Persian Gulf producers to international markets pass through it.
Shipping in the region has been under serious risk following US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Although a temporary agreement was reached between Washington and Tehran in June, tensions intensified again in July when new exchanges of fire were reported.
Since the beginning of the conflict, there have been a number of reports of tankers being affected while passing through the Strait of Hormuz and off the coast of Oman. The cases have been recorded both before and after the temporary agreement.
UKMTO urges ships passing through the zone to be particularly cautious, to report any suspicious activity immediately, and to follow the instructions of regional maritime authorities.