Off the coast of Saudi Arabia... a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile, according to UKMTO

A tanker was struck by an unknown projectile in the Gulf waters off the coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to a report issued by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Authority (UKMTO), citing a security official in the company that owns the tanker. The report stated that the accident occurred 68 nautical miles northeast of the Saudi industrial city of Jubail.

The report indicated that all crew members were fine and had been evacuated, and that no immediate environmental impact was detected as a result of the accident. The Maritime Organization, which has the support of the British Royal Navy, has advised ships to exercise caution while navigating and to report any suspicious activity, while the authorities conduct an investigation into the incident.

It is noteworthy that two cargo ships sank near the Strait of Hormuz during the past few days after being hit by unknown projectiles in two separate incidents. Which highlights the increasing risks threatening maritime traffic as Iran intensifies its attacks seeking to regain control of this vital waterway. The container ship "GFS Pride", registered in Singapore, was hit on Tuesday while crossing the strait, causing it to catch fire and then sink, according to what the Singapore Maritime and Ports Authority announced.

The merchant ship "Cape Dao", registered in Antigua and Barbuda, also sank, according to data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) issued on Wednesday, after being hit by a projectile on September 23. The accident resulted in the death of an Indian crew member.