A Malta-flagged container ship was struck by a projectile believed to be a missile while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
The vessel, Safeen Prestige, issued an emergency call and contacted Maltese authorities after reporting it had been hit at around 1pm Malta time as reported by Times of Malta.
The 13-year-old container ship had departed from Sharjah in Dubai and was heading towards Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where it was expected to arrive on Sunday.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the ship was two nautical miles north of Oman and “transiting eastbound in the Strait of Hormuz” when it was hit by an unknown projectile just above the waterline, sparking a fire in the engine room.
Sources said no injuries were reported following the incident.
The attack is the fourth reported incident in regional waters within 24 hours, after projectiles struck or landed near three other vessels off the coasts of the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that they have “complete control” over the strategic waterway, through which roughly 20% of global seaborne oil shipments pass, warning that vessels attempting to cross the area risk damage from missiles or drones.
The escalating tensions have already affected global shipping routes, with several major shipping companies suspending operations through the Strait of Hormuz.
Companies including CMA-CGM, Maersk, MSC and Cosco have halted transits through the area and are diverting vessels to alternative ports.
The situation has also raised concerns in global energy markets, with prices already rising.
US President Donald Trump said the US Navy is ready to escort oil tankers through the crucial shipping corridor and that US authorities are prepared to offer insurance coverage for shipping companies operating in the region.
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Photo credits to Maritima Optima
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