DUBAI: A tanker was struck by an unknown projectile off Saudi Arabia’s Gulf coast, prompting the evacuation of its crew, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
The incident occurred on Friday, about 68 nautical miles off Jubail. UKMTO said all crew members were reported safe.
Maritime security agency Vanguard identified the vessel as the Safeen Principal, a crude oil tanker flying the Marshall Islands flag. The agency reported that the vessel had lost power and suffered a fire in its engine room.
The incident comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where ships have repeatedly come under Iranian fire as Iran maintains a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and gas exports from the Gulf.
Before the conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, approximately one-fifth of global oil exports passed through the strait.
The ongoing conflict has contributed to a sharp rise in global oil prices.
-NST
