Vessel struck by unknown projectile off Khor Fakkan, Gulf of Oman — fire on board, crew contained blaze

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued an advisory late Wednesday reporting that a vessel had been hit by an 'unknown projectile' off the UAE port of Khor Fakkan in the Gulf of Oman, resulting in a fire on board. UKMTO advised vessels to 'transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.' The crew managed the blaze and no casualties were reported. No group claimed responsibility. The attack follows a sustained pattern of Iranian or Iranian-linked projectile and drone attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea since the conflict began on February 28. By mid-March, approximately 20 vessels had been attacked in and around the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman. Khor Fakkan is on the eastern coast of the UAE (Fujairah emirate), directly on the Gulf of Oman. It serves as a major transshipment port and is one of the few commercial ports accessible without transiting the Strait of Hormuz.