Vessel struck by projectile off UAE coast, crew evacuated after engine-room fire
RAS AL-KHAIMAH, November 12, Saudi Arabia Breaking News – A vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, triggering a fire in its engine room and forcing the evacuation of its crew, British maritime agencies said in reports released on Thursday.
The incident occurred about 14 nautical miles northwest of the UAE emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah, according to the reports.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said firefighting operations were underway and confirmed that all crew members had been evacuated from the vessel.
British maritime security firm Ambrey said the vessel was struck at the stern while departing the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route linking the Gulf with international maritime trade networks.
No injuries or marine pollution were reported following the incident, Ambrey said.
The incident comes amid an increase in attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks.
The waterway carried nearly one-fifth of the world's crude oil before the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, highlighting its importance to global energy supplies.
Source: Reuters
