The Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker Al Rekayyat reported that it had been struck overnight and its engine room set on fire.
Maritime security sources said a Saudi crude oil tanker had also been damaged.
"Mayday mayday mayday. This is vessel Al Rekayyat, LNG vessel Al Rekayyat. We are being hit by drone on port side, top of engine room," the Rekayyat's captain said in a recorded radio call reviewed by Reuters.
"Status: engine room fire and full of smoke. Unable to assess further damage."
He said the crew were safe but the ship had been disabled without engines or steering, and called for help from any vessels in the area.
