A merchant tanker was abandoned after being hit by an unidentified projectile near the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident took place approximately 8 nautical miles northwest of Kumzar, Oman, along a U.S.-coordinated shipping route. Initially, UKMTO indicated that the vessel was on fire based on military reports, but later updates classified the event as an attack after confirming it had been struck by a projectile.
The crew was able to evacuate the tanker safely and was rescued by a tugboat. While the fire on the vessel is still active, it is currently adrift, and no environmental damage has been reported. UKMTO has cautioned other vessels in the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as authorities continue their investigation.
The tanker is thought to be the Kavomaleas, a Malta-flagged ship managed by Greece’s Dynacom Tankers, which stated that the vessel was hit by two projectiles, igniting a fire in the engine room. All crew members were safely evacuated and taken ashore by Omani authorities. This attack occurs amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where military activities, including U.S. airstrikes against Iranian targets, have been increasing, impacting the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
