Attacks on commercial shipping are continuing in the Strait of Hormuz, with the latest reported incident involving a tanker that was hit by an unknown projectile and subsequently caught fire.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), local authorities reported that the vessel was struck while transiting the strategic Middle East waterway. The resulting fire was later extinguished.
The incident reportedly took place on 25 August. All members of the tanker’s crew were accounted for and confirmed safe, while no environmental impact was reported.
The latest attack follows the incident involving the Liberian-registered aframax Metro Venetian, which was struck by an unknown projectile on 24 August, approximately nine nautical miles northeast of Ash Shishah, Oman. In that incident, the tanker’s engine room was hit, leaving the vessel disabled.
In an update issued on 25 August, the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) said Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continued to conduct attacks, attempted attacks and harassment of vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the JMIC, the reported activity included unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) overflights, targeted surveillance of merchant shipping and occasional hailing of vessels over VHF radio.
The incidents add to growing security concerns for commercial shipping in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime passages.
