Tanker struck by unknown projectile 23 nautical miles east of Fujairah — UKMTO confirms minor structural damage

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre reported that an unknown projectile struck a commercial tanker at anchor 23 nautical miles east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates on March 17. The strike caused minor structural damage to the vessel. No injuries were reported among the crew. The tanker's flag state and operator were not immediately disclosed. Fujairah sits on the Gulf of Oman — outside the Strait of Hormuz — and serves as the primary east-coast UAE port and a major ship-to-ship transfer and bunkering hub. It is the only significant UAE port with direct Indian Ocean access, making it a key commercial shipping node for vessels routing around Hormuz restrictions. The incident follows a Day 17 IRGC drone strike on Fujairah's Oil Industry Zone that set fire to fuel storage facilities. A strike on a tanker at anchor in the same anchorage area extends Iranian targeting from fixed Gulf of Oman infrastructure to commercial shipping transiting or sheltering outside the strait. No group has claimed responsibility for the projectile. UKMTO has not specified the type of projectile used.