LPG tanker hit by debris from unknown projectiles near Strait of Hormuz: UKMTO

London: An LPG tanker was hit by debris from unknown projectiles while transiting outbound from the Strait of Hormuz, following a similar incident earlier in the day, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Monday.

The UKMTO said it had received a delayed report of the incident from the vessel's master. All crew members were reported safe, with no environmental impact reported.

The tanker will continue to its next port of call while authorities are investigating the incident, the UKMTO said.

It was the second tanker-related attack that the UKMTO recorded on Monday. Earlier in the day, the agency said another tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz had been struck by an unknown projectile, leaving two crew members with minor injuries.

Military authorities informed the UKMTO that the tanker was conducting an inbound transit when it was hit. The vessel was continuing to its next port of call under its own power, with no environmental impact reported at present.

Authorities are investigating the incident, the UKMTO said, advising vessels in the area to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The incident came three days after the UKMTO reported that another tanker had been hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire onboard. All crew in that incident were reported safe.

The navy of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said early Friday a "violating" oil tanker that sought "illegal" passage through the Strait of Hormuz was struck the previous night and brought to a halt.

In a statement published on the IRGC's official news outlet Sepah News, the navy said the Togo-flagged oil tanker, named "Trend," was stopped after it caught fire following the strike.

The vessel attempted to cross the strait "illegally" after being "deceived and provoked" by the US Army, it said, warning that attempting illegal passage through the waterway will lead to nothing but "destruction."

The navy added that its forces are still in control of the Strait of Hormuz with strength and will not let passage by any "aggressor."

–IANS

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