Cargo Vessel Struck by Projectile 7.5 Nautical Miles Southeast of Dahit, Oman

GULF OF OMAN — A cargo vessel was struck on its starboard side by an unknown projectile 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Dahit, Oman, on June 25.

The vessel’s master (captain) stated there were no casualties and no environmental impact. Authorities are investigating. Vessels in the area were advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.

Strike Location and Initial Report

UKMTO Warning 074-26 states that the report originated from the vessel’s master. The projectile struck the starboard side and damaged the bridge.

No further details on the vessel’s identity, flag, cargo, or exact condition beyond bridge damage appear in the initial warning. The location lies off Oman’s coast in the Gulf of Oman.

Assessment: The 7.5-nautical-mile distance places the event in Omani territorial waters according to standard maritime boundaries.

UKMTO Advisory: IMO-Supported Evacuation Process (Strait of Hormuz)

UKMTO is supporting an IMO-coordinated process to assist vessels currently operating within the Gulf region. The IMO is working with industry organizations, coastal states and regional partners to develop a prioritised approach to the safe and orderly movement of vessels.

This includes the IMO-led identification of vessels for potential phased departure and the provision of associated information to support decision-making.

As part of this process, vessels may be contacted by the agency to be notified of their inclusion in an IMO planning batch and to reference relevant published maritime guidance, including coastal state Notices to Mariners.

All decisions regarding vessel movement, routing and timing remain the responsibility of the Master and owning company. Participation in this process is voluntary.

The agency will continue to act as a neutral information conduit, supporting the provision of timely and coherent information to the maritime community.

Operators are encouraged to:

• Maintain reporting to the agency in accordance with the Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA)

• Monitor IMO communications and relevant coastal state guidance

• Conduct appropriate risk assessments prior to any movement

• Refer to the latest Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) guidance to support situational awareness

Recent Related Incidents in the Region

On June 21, UKMTO Warning 072-26 reported that the master of a product tanker observed a skiff with five armed persons attempting to board the vessel 50 nautical miles southeast of Al-Shihr, Yemen.

The vessel conducted evasive maneuvers and altered course. The vessel and crew remained safe and proceeded to the next port.

Assessment: Both incidents occurred in the same regional theater within a four-day period and involved close-quarters threats to commercial vessels.

This proximity in time and location suggests a possible pattern of close-quarters threats in the region that warrants continued monitoring of agency advisories for similar incidents.

What to Watch

• New UKMTO warnings or updates on this incident number.

• Official statements from Omani government or Royal Oman Navy.

• Any release of vessel identity or operator statements.

• Open-source Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracking data for vessel movements in the Gulf of Oman.

• Updates to the IMO-coordinated evacuation process in the Strait of Hormuz, including any prioritized movement guidance or coastal state notices.

• U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) public releases on Gulf of Oman or Strait of Hormuz activity for any follow-up statements.

• IMO press briefings or guidance on regional maritime evacuation and risk assessments.

Official Statements

• Master of the cargo vessel, via UKMTO Warning 074-26, June 25: “UKMTO has received a report of an incident 7.5NM southeast of Dahit, Oman. A cargo vessel has been hit on the starboard side by an unknown projectile, causing damage to the bridge. Master has reported no casualties and no environmental impact. Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.”

• UKMTO, via Advisory 073-26 (Issue Date June 23): “UKMTO is supporting an IMO-coordinated process to assist vessels currently operating within the Gulf region. The IMO is working with industry organisations, coastal states and regional partners to develop a prioritised approach to the safe and orderly movement of vessels. This includes the IMO-led identification of vessels for potential phased departure and the provision of associated information to support decision-making. As part of this process, vessels may be contacted by UKMTO to be notified of their inclusion in an IMO planning batch and to highlight relevant published maritime guidance, including coastal state Notices to Mariners. All decisions regarding vessel movement, routing and timing remain the responsibility of the Master and owning company. Participation in this process is voluntary. UKMTO will continue to act as a neutral information conduit, supporting the provision of timely and coherent information to the maritime community. Operators are encouraged to: Maintain reporting to UKMTO in accordance with the Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA). Monitor IMO communications and relevant coastal state guidance. Conduct appropriate risk assessments prior to any movement. Refer to the latest JMIC guidance to support situational awareness. Further updates will be promulgated as the situation develops.”