STANDARDMILITARY
Second vessel struck near Ras Laffan, Qatar — crew safe, UKMTO advisory issued
·4 nautical miles east of Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar (Gulf)
UKMTO reported a vessel struck by an unknown projectile 4NM east of Ras Laffan, Qatar. All crew members reported safe and well. Distinct from the earlier UAE vessel incident off Khor Fakkan (2300 GMT March 18). The back-to-back shipping incidents off Iran-targeted energy sites underline the spreading maritime threat.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued an advisory reporting that a vessel had been hit by an unknown projectile approximately 4 nautical miles east of Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar. All crew members were reported safe and well. No group claimed responsibility.
The incident is the second UKMTO-reported vessel strike in the Gulf within hours. An earlier vessel was struck 11NM east of Khor Fakkan (Gulf of Oman, UAE) at 2300 GMT on March 18. Ras Laffan is Qatar's main LNG export hub and was struck twice by Iranian missiles on Wednesday-Thursday. The vessel incident occurred in Gulf waters adjacent to the recently-hit complex, suggesting deliberate maritime harassment in the Ras Laffan approach zone.
shippingUKMTOQatarRas LaffanGulf
Actor responses
No claim of responsibility for the Ras Laffan vessel strike. Follows IRGC pattern of unnamed projectile attacks on Gulf shipping during the conflict.
Sources