Fresh attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday have renewed concerns over the security of one of the world's busiest maritime routes, raising fears of further disruption to global energy supplies and international shipping.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), three tankers were struck by projectiles while navigating the strategic waterway that links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.
The latest incidents come as governments and the shipping industry were hoping to restore normal maritime operations following weeks of heightened tensions arising from the conflict between the United States and Iran, AP reports.
One of the vessels, a liquefied natural gas tanker, caught fire after it was struck while sailing off the coast of Oman. The UKMTO reported that the ship was attacked near Limah, Oman, as it attempted to travel south through the Strait of Hormuz toward the Gulf of Oman.
According to the agency, the projectile struck the port side of the tanker. Despite the impact, it said there were no environmental consequences from the incident, adding that investigations were underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
