Strait of Hormuz Status: Malta-Flagged Tanker Hit By 'Unknown Projectile', Crew Evacuated

A Malta-flagged oil products tanker reported being struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a fresh security warning from the UKMTO.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a fresh maritime security warning after receiving multiple reports that a Malta-flagged oil products tanker was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The latest incident unfolded as commercial shipping continues to navigate one of the world’s most heavily militarised waterways amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

According to a UKMTO advisory, the agency received reports of an incident approximately eight nautical miles northeast of Limah, Oman, where a tanker transmitted an emergency message over VHF Channel 16 stating that it had been struck by an unknown projectile. Authorities have not identified the source of the projectile, and investigations remain ongoing.

The vessel involved has been identified as the Malta-flagged oil products tanker Kavomaleas (IMO 1042823), a Panamax/LR1-class tanker. Initial shipping information indicates the vessel was sailing in ballast, without cargo, or was heading towards loading facilities inside the Persian Gulf when the incident occurred.

Following the impact, a fire reportedly broke out, with several maritime reports indicating that the blaze originated in or around the vessel’s engine room. The ship’s master immediately activated onboard fire suppression systems before ordering the crew to abandon the vessel as a precaution.

According to maritime reports, all crew members were safely evacuated and rescued by Omani authorities before being transported ashore. No fatalities or injuries have been reported, while there are no immediate indications of a major oil spill or significant environmental damage.

UKMTO described the incident as involving an “unknown projectile” and has advised vessels operating in the area to maintain heightened vigilance while reporting any suspicious activity to regional maritime authorities. The agency has not attributed responsibility for the strike.

The latest incident also follows days of intensified military operations across the region, including continued US airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure and Tehran’s warnings over maritime traffic in the strategic waterway.

Meanwhile, another Dynacom-managed vessel, the Liberian-flagged Acheloos, may also have sustained damage after reportedly being struck by a projectile in the same general area. Crew members aboard that vessel were also reported safe, although authorities have yet to officially confirm the circumstances surrounding the second incident.

Some maritime monitoring services have further suggested that multiple vessels may have experienced security incidents in the Strait of Hormuz during the same operational period. However, these reports remain unverified, and UKMTO has not publicly confirmed any broader coordinated attack.