A commercial vessel has reported an explosion near the Strait of Hormuz after being targeted by what UK authorities described as an “unknown projectile” off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
According to a Sunday, March 22, warning by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the incident occurred about 15 nautical miles north of Sharjah.
UKMTO said that the report, which was reported to it on Saturday, involved a bulk carrier navigating near the Gulf’s critical shipping lanes.
No group has claimed responsibility, and the origin of the projectile remains unclear. UKMTO has advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.
“UKMTO has received a report of an incident 15NM north of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The Master of a Bulk Carrier reported an explosion from an unknown projectile in close proximity to the vessel,” the advisory said.
！