The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported three separate security incidents involving commercial vessels in the Mideast Gulf on 3 May, raising fresh concerns for ships transiting the region.
UKMTO received a report at 19:40 GMT involving a tanker about 78 nautical miles (144km) north of Fujairah in the UAE. The tanker was struck by unknown projectiles, UKMTO said. All crew members were safe, and no environmental damage was recorded. The attack marks the latest incident involving commercial shipping since the US-Israel war with Iran started on 28 February, triggering Iranian retaliation actions across the Mideast Gulf.
Earlier on the same day at 11:30 GMT, the master of a northbound bulk carrier reported that the vessel was attacked by several small craft while transiting around 11 nautical miles (20km) west of Sirik, Iran. All crew members were reported safe, and no environmental damage was observed.
Separately, UKMTO reported suspicious activity near Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, also on 3 May. Several vessel masters in the area said they were instructed via VHF broadcasts to move from their anchorages.
The identities of the vessels involved remains unclear and authorities are investigating the incidents. UKMTO has advised vessels operating in the region to transit with caution, maintain heightened vigilance, and report any suspicious activity or security incidents.
UKMTO has received 41 reports as of 2 May, affecting vessels operating in and around the Mideast Gulf, the strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman since the war started, including 23 attacks and 16 cases of suspicious activity and two hijacks. The previous attack was on 22 April where a cargo ship was fired upon while exiting the strait of Hormuz.
