Oil tanker struck by unknown projectile off Oman, UK maritime agency says

An oil tanker sailing off the coast of Oman was struck by an unknown projectile on August 1, leaving the vessel disabled, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

In an advisory, UKMTO said it had received a report of an incident approximately 11 nautical miles (around 20 kilometres) northeast of Lima, Oman, Caliber.Az reports.

According to the vessel's company security officer, the projectile struck the tanker, causing damage to its engine room and leaving it not under command. Regional coast guard authorities have been informed of the incident.

UKMTO said no casualties or environmental damage had been reported.

The maritime agency added that the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and advised ships transiting the area to exercise caution and immediately report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.

By Sabina Mammadli