Vessel struck by unknown projectile off UAE coast; fire extinguished, UKMTO says

Mixed · 2A vessel was struck by an unknown projectile off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on Friday 9 October, causing a fire that was later extinguished, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). 1 2 Centre · 1The incident occurred at 1000 GMT, about 13 nautical miles (24 km) west of Al Jazeera, UAE, and UKMTO said it had reports from multiple sources. 1 Mixed · 2The status of the crew, the extent of damage and any environmental impact remain unknown; authorities are investigating, and ships in the area were advised to transit with caution and report suspicious activity. 1 2

Right · 1UKMTO does not typically name vessels, but two shipping and security sources told Reuters the vessel was the Panama-flagged crude supertanker GEM NO.2, which the British risk group Vanguard also named, saying it reportedly issued a distress alert indicating a fire on board. 2 Right · 1LSEG ship-tracking data showed the tanker, fully laden with oil, last at anchor off the UAE coast; its Panama-based operator could not be reached for comment. 2 Right · 1No one has claimed responsibility. Maritime security sources told Reuters the strike was outside the Hormuz area, indicating a widening of risk for ships. 2

Mixed · 2The incident followed an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps statement earlier Friday that an LPG carrier was struck and caught fire while trying to cross the Strait of Hormuz by what it called an "illegal route"; earlier in the week a tanker was struck off Qatar. 1 2 Right · 1Sources told Reuters that tankers face higher risk of attacks and intimidation after Iran warned it would block unauthorised routes, and the US-navy led Joint Maritime Information Center said attacks have become more frequent. 2