Iranian attacks targeting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz are continuing, with a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) reportedly struck during an outbound transit.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a Company Security Officer had reported that a tanker was hit by three unidentified projectiles while transiting outbound through the strategic waterway.
No casualties or environmental damage were reported. The incident occurred approximately 17 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, and was reported at 20:00 UTC on 31 August.
According to maritime security company Vanguard Tech, the vessel involved was the Liberian-flagged VLCC Senegal Prosperity. The company said the tanker was struck by rockets on its port side, in the engine room area and in a ballast tank.
Data from Pole Star Global showed that the vessel’s last AIS position had been broadcast two days earlier, offshore from the Ju’aymah Oil Terminal in Saudi Arabia.
The latest attack comes amid escalating military activity in the region. On 30 August, US forces struck Iran’s Larak Island, located in the northern part of the Strait of Hormuz, targeting mine-laying capabilities.
Iranian media subsequently reported that three members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed in the attack, while seven others were injured.
Meanwhile, US forces also appear likely to have carried out another vessel interdiction as part of Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports. The UKMTO said it had received a report concerning an incident involving a tanker and military forces in the Indian Ocean.
“Vessels are advised to consider the latest maritime security information and maintain awareness of the evolving operational environment. Authorities are aware and relevant investigations remain ongoing,” UKMTO said.
