A commercial vessel caught fire Wednesday after being struck by a projectile while traveling through one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
According to the New York Post, the attack happened in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and a vital route for global energy shipments.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, operated by the British military, reported that the cargo ship was hit north of Oman while passing through the strait.
The impact triggered a blaze onboard the vessel.
UKMTO said the crew began evacuating the ship after the strike.
The incident unfolded shortly after the United States carried out operations targeting Iranian vessels believed to be laying mines that could threaten shipping traffic near the entrance to the Persian Gulf.
Iran had not immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
However, Tehran has previously targeted ships operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to rising tensions and disruptions along the heavily traveled maritime corridor.
The waterway plays a crucial role in global energy markets. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas trade passes through the strait, making it one of the most strategically important routes for international commerce.
Earlier Wednesday, UKMTO reported another maritime attack in the region.
That incident involved a vessel near Ras al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the extent of damage to the cargo ship or the condition of those onboard.
