After several quiet days: vessel hit by projectile in the Strait of Hormuz and catches fire

A commercial vessel crossing the Strait of Hormuz was hit by an unidentified projectile and caught fire. The ship's crew brought the blaze under control; no casualties were reported. The incident occurs after several relatively quiet days in the strait, amid a recovery in oil and gas tanker traffic.

A commercial vessel crossing the Strait of Hormuz was hit by an unidentified projectile and caught fire. The ship's crew managed to extinguish the fire on their own and continue sailing; all crew members were reported safe with no casualties or environmental damage. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) updated on the incident today (Tuesday, September 29, 2026), after receiving a delayed report. According to maritime security company Ambrey, the strike occurred in the southern route of the strait, north of the city of Khasab in Oman. The identity of the launching entity remains under investigation. The incident occurs after several relatively quiet days in the strait, amid a recovery in oil and gas tanker traffic. Data from tracking firms Kpler and LSEG indicated a return of vessels crossing the strait to major Asian destinations. Oil exports from Gulf states recovered to nearly 13 million barrels per day. The price of Brent crude oil rose in response to around $107 per barrel. The incident joins a chain of incidents in the strait during September: on the 1st, a tanker was hit by three projectiles; on the 18th, a tanker caught fire; on the 21st, two crew members were injured; and on the 24th, a vessel suffered severe damage and was abandoned. The incident occurs alongside indirect diplomatic contacts between the US and Iran.