British maritime agency: Tanker hit by unknown projectile off Saudi Arabia, crew evacuated

The British Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced that a tanker was hit by an unknown projectile 68 nautical miles northeast of Saudi Arabia's Jubail, with the crew safely evacuated and no environmental damage reported, as authorities investigate the incident.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Friday that a tanker was struck by an unknown projectile 68 nautical miles northeast of the Saudi city of Jubail. The agency stated it received a delayed report from the company's security officer and confirmed that all crew members were safely evacuated, with no environmental impact recorded as of the time of the report. The UKMTO urged vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity, while authorities investigate the incident. The statement did not include details on the tanker's identity or the party responsible for launching the projectile. This incident occurs amid ongoing tensions in Saudi Arabia following attacks by the Houthi group on civilian infrastructure in the kingdom. In other developments, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen announced the interception and destruction of a drone launched toward the Eastern Region, and reported 19 people killed and 364 others injured in Houthi attacks on King Khalid International Airport and Abha Airport.