Cargo ship hit by unknown projectile in Strait of Hormuz, crew evacuated

2026-03-11 - 09:27

A cargo ship was struck by a projectile of unknown origin in the Strait of Hormuz, sparking a fire on board and forcing the evacuation of its crew, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported. In a statement, UKMTO said it had received information that the vessel was hit by an unidentified projectile while transiting the strategically vital waterway. The impact caused a fire, prompting crew members to abandon the ship for safety reasons. Details about the ship’s flag, ownership, or the condition of the crew were not immediately disclosed. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments, has been the scene of heightened tensions in recent months due to rising regional conflicts, re[orts Al-Rai daily. Authorities and maritime security agencies are continuing to monitor the situation and assess potential threats to commercial shipping in the area. The incident adds to a series of security concerns affecting maritime traffic in the Gulf region, where geopolitical instability has increasingly endangered international shipping lanes.