International: A tanker travelling through the Strait of Hormuz caught fire after two explosive devices attached to its hull detonated, temporarily disabling the vessel, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.
The incident occurred approximately 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, while the tanker was travelling outbound through the strategic shipping route on Thursday, October 29.
In an initial advisory issued on Friday, October 30, UKMTO said it had received a third-party report of a tanker on fire, with the cause initially unknown.
In a subsequent update, the agency provided further details, stating that a small boat had approached the tanker on its port side and attached two explosive devices to the hull above the waterline.
The devices detonated, triggering a fire in the engine room and temporarily disabling the vessel.
Crew Safe, Fire Extinguished
UKMTO confirmed that all crew members were safe and that no environmental impact had been reported.
The fire was subsequently extinguished, and the tanker resumed its journey towards its next port of call.
The agency advised vessels operating in the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity as investigations into the incident continue.
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Key Shipping Route
The incident comes amid continuing tensions involving Iran and the United States over maritime security in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world's most important maritime passages, serving as a major route for international oil and energy shipments.
Any security disruption in the waterway can raise concerns among shipping companies, energy markets and countries dependent on supplies passing through the region.
Authorities are continuing to assess the circumstances surrounding the tanker incident, including the identity of those responsible for attaching the explosive devices.
