ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A tanker was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fired from a small boat off Saudi Arabia's eastern coast, damaging the vessel but causing no casualties, a British maritime security agency said on Saturday, amid heightened threats to commercial shipping in the Gulf.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the attack occurred on Friday, approximately 78 nautical miles northeast of the Saudi port city of Al Jubayl.
The vessel's captain reported that the tanker was struck on its aft port quarter, the rear-left section of the ship.
“Crew are accounted for and reported safe. A complete damage assessment and environmental impact are unknown at time of report,” UKMTO said in its warning issued on Saturday.
The agency advised vessels operating in the area to exercise caution as authorities investigate the incident.
The attack comes amid heightened maritime tensions in the Gulf, where commercial vessels have faced growing security threats as the regional conflict involving Iran and the United States disrupts shipping routes.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important oil transit routes, normally carrying around a fifth of global petroleum consumption.
The United States has imposed a naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping, while Tehran has warned vessels against attempting to cross the strait without its authorization.
In a separate incident on Friday, another tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile about 68 nautical miles northeast of Al Jubayl, UKMTO said on Saturday. All crew members were safely evacuated, and no environmental damage was reported.
The incidents follow a surge in attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
