A Maltese-flagged container ship, Safeen Prestige, was struck by a projectile while sailing near the Strait of Hormuz, forcing its crew to abandon the vessel. The impact caused a fire above the waterline in the engine room, though no environmental damage has been reported.
The incident occurred about two nautical miles north of Oman, a key global shipping lane linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the attack but said the vessel is not British.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical energy corridor, with nearly 20% of global oil shipments passing through. Analysts warn the attack could disrupt energy supplies, prompting some shipowners to enhance security or consider longer alternative routes.
The strike comes amid escalating regional tensions, following the recent sinking of the Iranian naval frigate IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka. U.S. forces have also destroyed 17 Iranian vessels as part of the ongoing military operations.
