Unknown Projectiles Strike Ships Near Oman And UAE, UKMTO Issues Urgent Strait Of Hormuz Warning

Several commercial vessels have been struck by unknown projectiles near Oman and the United Arab Emirates, according to multiple advisories issued on 1 March 2026 by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

At least two ships were hit, while another reported a projectile explosion in close proximity within a 24-hour period.

The incidents occurred in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf, close to one of the world’s most critical oil shipping corridors, the Strait of Hormuz.

UKMTO reported that a vessel was struck by an unknown projectile 50 nautical miles north of Muscat, Oman. The strike was reported over VHF Channel 16 and occurred above the waterline.

The engine room was initially reported on fire. However, the fire was later brought under control. Authorities are continuing their investigation.

Ships in the area were advised to transit with caution and report suspicious activity.

In a separate incident, a vessel 17 nautical miles northwest of Mina Saqr, United Arab Emirates, was struck by an unknown projectile, according to the Company Security Officer.

The impact caused a fire onboard. The fire was extinguished, and the vessel intends to continue its voyage. No crew injuries were reported. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Another advisory confirmed that an unknown projectile exploded in very close proximity to a vessel 35 nautical miles west of Sharjah, UAE. All crew members were reported safe.

UKMTO stated that two vessels had been struck and a third experienced a near miss. It also referenced suspicious activity, including an incident two nautical miles north of Oman, where crew members were evacuated as a precaution.

On 28 February, UKMTO warned of significant military activity across the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz.

Mariners were also alerted to possible electronic interference, including disruptions to AIS and navigation systems. Such interference increases navigational risk in already congested waters.

The Strait of Hormuz carries approximately 20% of the world’s oil and gas flows, making it one of the most strategically important maritime chokepoints globally.

Iran has warned ships against transiting the strait. Ship tracking data from Kpler indicated that at least 150 tankers were anchored in open Gulf waters beyond the chokepoint as shipping movements slowed sharply.

Global oil prices moved higher in early Asian trading.

At 02:00 GMT:

Brent crude rose more than 4% to $76.16 per barrel

US crude traded about 4% higher at $69.67 per barrel

Saul Kavonic, Head of Energy Research at MST Marquee, told the BBC that the market was not panicking and that oil transport and production infrastructure had not been primary targets so far.

Meanwhile, OPEC+ agreed on Sunday to increase output by 206,000 barrels per day.

Edmund King, President of the AA, told the BBC that turmoil across the Middle East could disrupt global oil distribution and potentially lead to price increases.

UKMTO has advised vessels transiting the region to maintain heightened vigilance and report suspicious activity. The advisories confirm at least four separate security incidents within 24 hours in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

Reference: UKMTO

Source: Maritime Shipping News