All articles tagged with #ukmto
A cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile, with UKMTO confirming the incident and environmental impact not yet known. The event unfolds amid heightened US-Israel pressure on Iran and ongoing military activity to reopen the strait, while the UAE reports intercepting missiles and drones and Iran denies targeting the UAE.
Two vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz within about eight hours: a tanker about 78 nautical miles north of Fujairah was struck by unknown projectiles with no injuries and no environmental impact reported, and a bulk carrier was attacked earlier about 11 nautical miles west of Sirik, Iran. All crew are safe, UKMTO said, while warnings to transit cautiously reflect heightened tensions as the U.S.-led blockade and related actions against Iran continue. The incident follows ongoing maritime disruption and broader geopolitical maneuvering, including President Trump’s statements about supporting neutral-flag ships.
Maritime authorities warn of a renewed piracy risk off Somalia after a cargo ship was seized and redirected into Somali waters, prompting UKMTO to raise the threat level to substantial. In the last week, at least four vessels (including a fishing vessel and an oil tanker) have been targeted, signaling a comeback after years of decline. Vessels are urged to transit with caution as favorable weather aids small-boat attacks, with confirmed incidents near Garacad and Mareeyo and the 22 April hijacking of the oil tanker Honour 25 reported by security officials.
Two ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz after President Trump extended the Iran ceasefire: a container ship and a cargo ship were fired on by IRGC gun boats, suffering bridge damage but with crews safe, and escorted toward the Iranian coast while AIS was off. A third ship was reportedly hit by BBC/Reuters but not confirmed by UKMTO, as US-Iran peace talks continue.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy says it seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz for maritime violations and transferred them ashore, as reports of attacks on other vessels surface and the U.S. extends its ceasefire to pursue renewed peace talks; UKMTO warns of high activity in the area and crews on the attacked ships are reported safe. The incident comes as crude prices hover around $99–100 per barrel, underscoring ongoing volatility in global shipping and energy markets.
Three cargo ships were struck by suspected projectiles off Iran’s coast in the Strait of Hormuz. One vessel about 11 nautical miles north of Oman caught fire and evacuated its crew; another was hit roughly 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai; a third was damaged off the UAE. The UKMTO cautioned vessels to transit carefully as incidents mount after US/Israel airstrikes on Iran, with the Strait handling about 20% of global oil and gas.
British maritime security firm Ambrey reported a vessel being targeted approximately 61 nautical miles southwest of Yemen's Hodeidah, while the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a similar report of an incident involving two missiles near the same location. The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have disrupted global shipping, leading to concerns about the wider implications for Middle East stability. The United States and Britain have responded with strikes against Houthi targets, and coalition forces intercepted one of the missiles, ensuring the safety of the targeted vessel and its crew.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency received reports of an explosion and flash in the southern Red Sea west of Yemen's Hodeidah port, with vessels and crew in the area reported to be safe. The Iran-backed Houthis, controlling Yemen's populous regions, have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab strait in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
The UKMTO received a report of an incident involving a ship being attacked by two missiles 40 nautical miles south of Yemen's Al Mukha, but the crew is safe and the vessel continued to its next port. Houthi terrorists in Yemen have been targeting commercial ships with drones and missiles in response to Israel's actions in Gaza, causing disruptions to global shipping routes.
The Iranian Navy seized an oil tanker in the waters between Iran and Oman, with UKMTO reporting that armed individuals boarded the vessel before it altered course towards Iranian territorial waters. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea, where Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebel group has been targeting international ships. Authorities are investigating the seizure, and the situation is ongoing.
A merchant vessel was approached by six small craft near Yemen, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), but no harm came to the vessel or crew. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea, where Houthi militants have increased attacks on commercial shipping in response to Israel's actions in Gaza. In a related event, a U.S. ship downed a drone launched from Yemen, with CENTCOM stating the action was in self-defense. The Houthis have threatened further attacks, including against U.S. warships, if they are targeted.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported six small craft approaching a merchant vessel near Yemen, with no weapons currently sighted. Coalition forces are providing assistance in response to the situation.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an incident of armed persons boarding a commercial ship in the Indian Ocean, near Somalia. The crew has retreated to a safe room on board, reminiscent of tactics used by Somali pirates in the past. This follows a series of hijackings in the region, including the MV Ruen in December, marking a potential resurgence of Somali piracy, which had not seen a successful commercial ship hijacking since 2017. The situation raises alarm amidst a backdrop of increased maritime attacks in the Red Sea by the Houthis.