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Tanker hit in Strait of Hormuz following Iran’s warning for ships to reverse course

The UK Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO) has reported a new security incident involving a merchant vessel located southeast of an Omani port. According to the ship’s captain, there were no injuries among the crew and no environmental damage. However, the vessel sustained physical damage to its hull after being struck by an unidentified projectile.

This latest incident comes amid growing security concerns in the region. Earlier reports indicated that several tankers and merchant ships had already been diverted from the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints—due to heightened threats. Following the attack off the coast of Oman, Bloomberg confirmed that at least three vessels, including two large tankers, altered their routes while attempting to transit the strait.

The Iranian Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) has previously warned vessels about the consequences of traveling outside Iran’s designated maritime route. According to the PGSA, any movement beyond the authorized route will not be covered by the guarantee of safe passage, nor will it be covered by insurance or related liabilities. The authority further stated that the owner, operator, and commander of the vessel will bear full responsibility for any consequences resulting from travel through unauthorized routes.