The captain of a container ship has stated that the vessel was damaged by a suspected projectile of unknown origin, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
A British maritime security agency reported on Wednesday that an unknown object struck a container ship off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. The incident occurred as Iran is carrying out retaliatory measures in the Gulf in response to US-Israeli attacks.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said, “The master of a container ship has reported that the vessel has been damaged by a suspected but unidentified projectile.” They also said the extent of the damage is unknown, but all crew members are safe.
The agency reported that the incident occurred 25 nautical miles (29 miles) northwest of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
It has asked ships to approach the area “with caution” while authorities investigate the incident.
Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards have stated that they have “complete control” of the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint in the Gulf and one of the world’s most vital shipping routes for energy.
This vital waterway—less than 30 miles (48 kilometers) wide at its narrowest point—connects Iran on one side and Oman on the other.
According to data compiled by the UK Maritime Trade Organization, the International Maritime Organization, and Iranian officials, at least 10 oil tankers were attacked, targeted, or reported attacked in or near the Strait between March 1 and 10.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned Iran of severe military consequences if it continued to mine the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran had previously vowed that no Gulf oil would pass through this specific route.
The White House had earlier said on Tuesday that the US had not removed any oil tankers from the Strait of Hormuz, while a similar claim was made on the energy secretary’s social media account but was later deleted.