A merchant ship came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, leaving one person dead and damaging the vessel’s engine room.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the ship was reportedly hit by an unidentified missile or drone. Oman’s Coast Guard was called in to help rescue the remaining crew members. The identity of those behind the attack is not yet known.
The incident comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States. Iran’s military has recently said that the Strait of Hormuz is under its control and warned that ships must follow its rules and obtain permission before crossing the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global energy route. Before the current conflict, around one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and natural gas passed through the strait. However, shipping activity has now dropped sharply, with only three vessels reportedly crossing on Sunday.
The latest attack has raised fresh concerns about the safety of international shipping and global energy supplies.
