A merchant vessel was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, according to Iranian authorities. The incident, which occurred at approximately 5:00 am (0130 GMT), took place off the coasts of Hengam and Qeshm islands. Amir Teymouri, the governor of Qeshm city, confirmed via state television that the strike resulted in one fatality and three injuries. Teymouri did not specify the origin of the projectile.
The Strait of Hormuz, where Qeshm is the largest island, remains a vital chokepoint for global oil and gas transit. The waterway has been a central point of tension between Tehran and Washington since late February. The UKMTO maritime agency confirmed it received a report regarding a vessel struck by an unknown projectile during its transit through the area.
Following the initial strike, the UKMTO reported that a fire had broken out on the ship. Local authorities are currently assisting with the evacuation of the crew. The maritime agency has advised all vessels to transit the region with caution and to report any suspicious activity to the UKMTO while investigations into the incident are underway.
