Cargo ship on fire in Strait of Hormuz after projectile strike

A cargo ship caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after being struck by an unidentified projectile, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The maritime security authority said the vessel reported the incident after it was hit, which caused a fire on board.

According to UKMTO, the incident occurred about 11 miles north of Oman in the strategically important waterway. The ship requested assistance, and its crew is currently being evacuated.

“The UKMTO duty officer received a report of an incident 11 miles north of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz. It is reported that a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unidentified projectile, causing a fire on board. The vessel has requested assistance, and the crew is being evacuated. Ships are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO while authorities continue their investigation,” the organisation said in a statement.

Earlier on Wednesday, March 11, another vessel operating in the area also reported damage after being hit by a projectile, the UK maritime authority added.

By Tamilla Hasanova