A cargo vessel has been struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving the ship on fire and adrift with two casualties reported.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it received a report of the incident on Wednesday while the vessel was in the strategic waterway.
“The Company Security Officer of a cargo vessel reports being struck by an unknown projectile. The vessel is on fire and adrift,” UKMTO said.
“All crew have been evacuated with 2 casualties reported.”
The maritime agency said authorities were investigating the incident and that there was no reported environmental impact.
The identity of the vessel and the source of the projectile were not immediately disclosed.
The incident comes amid heightened risks to commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz following months of conflict involving the United States and Iran.
Several vessels have been damaged in the waterway in recent weeks, with some incidents resulting in deaths, injuries and disruptions to shipping.
The International Maritime Organization has recorded multiple confirmed maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters since the conflict began.
The latest incident also comes days after the Liberia-flagged tanker LR Stephanie was struck by an unidentified projectile while entering the Strait of Hormuz, leaving two crew members injured.
Responsibility for the latest attack has not been established.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a major route for global oil and gas shipments.
