Vessel struck by unknown projectile off UAE coast, fire extinguished

A vessel was struck by an unknown projectile off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on Friday, sparking a fire that was later extinguished, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.

The incident occurred at 10:00 GMT, about 13 nautical miles (24 kilometres) west of Al Jazeera, UAE, according to a UKMTO advisory. The agency said it had received reports from multiple sources that the vessel had been hit.

The crew’s status, the extent of damage and any potential environmental impact remain unknown. Authorities are investigating, while other vessels in the area have been advised to proceed with caution and report suspicious activity.

The incident came amid heightened regional tensions. Earlier on Friday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said an LPG carrier had been struck and caught fire while trying to cross the Strait of Hormuz via what it described as an “illegal route.”