An unknown projectile struck the tanker’s starboard causing a fire to the vessel, UKMTO reported, with the crew accounted for and safe and no environmental impact reported
An oil tanker has gone up in flames after being hit by a projectile off the coast of Dubai.
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Monday, 30 March that an unidentified projectile had struck their tanker starboard, igniting a fire on the vessel. The incident follows Iran’s approval of a plan to impose tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident near the strait is under investigation and it remains uncertain who executed the strike.
Vessels, particularly oil tankers, have been the target of strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, causing widespread disruptions in oil markets and at petrol stations.
The transit of tankers through the strait has been a contentious issue since the Middle East conflict began over a month ago.
US-Israeli forces targeted several key sites in Iran at the end of February, and Iran has retaliated by targeting sites across the Middle East, including vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz.
Approximately one fifth of all globally traded oil passes through the strait.
UKMTO confirmed that the crew are accounted for and safe, and no environmental impact has been reported.
The strike occurred shortly after the Iranian Parliament’s Security Commission approved a plan to impose tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.
On Monday, a member of the National Security Commission declared that the plan had been approved. Among other provisions are the “safety of naval vessels”, environmental issues and the prohibition of passage for US and Israeli vessels.
The plan also incorporates a toll system and the enforcement of Iran’s sovereign role in the area.
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