Tug struck by two unknown projectiles off UAE's Khor Fakkan, UKMTO reports
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency says a southbound tug was struck by two projectiles northeast of Khor Fakkan on Sunday, leaving one person with minor injuries; the vessel was damaged but continued its route.
A marine tug travelling southbound northeast of Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates was struck by two projectiles of unknown origin on Sunday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency has said.
The British navy-affiliated authority said it received a report of the incident from the vessel itself. One minor injury was reported and the tug sustained damage, but it continued on its route, UKMTO added. The exact time of the incident has not been confirmed, and no group has claimed responsibility.
The report was carried by Reuters and picked up by Arab News, Dawn and CGTN, all citing the UKMTO advisory. Authorities in the region were said to be investigating, and vessels in the area were advised to transit with caution.
The strike is the latest in a sustained run of attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman and around the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran war began on February 28. UKMTO and maritime security firms have logged multiple projectile strikes in recent weeks, including incidents off Jubail earlier this month that left tankers damaged and crews evacuated.
Khor Fakkan, on the UAE’s east coast outside the Strait of Hormuz, has seen heavier traffic in recent months as shippers route around the more dangerous waters inside the Gulf.
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