ERBIL () — Two tankers were hit by projectiles or debris from unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), as tensions continue to escalate in the strategic waterway amid the ongoing Middle East war.
In the first incident, an inbound tanker was struck by an “unknown projectile,” the UKMTO operations center said.
Two crew members sustained minor injuries, while the vessel remained operational and continued toward its next port of call under its own power.
British security firm Vanguard Tech said the vessel was the UK-flagged tanker La Stephanie and reported that it had been hit by a drone while sailing toward the Gulf.
In a second incident later on Monday, UKMTO said an LPG tanker was struck by debris from “unknown projectiles.” No casualties were reported, and the vessel was also able to continue to its next port of call.
The incidents come as Iran seeks to restrict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in its conflict with the United States, while Washington has imposed a counterblockade on Iranian ports. Both sides have targeted vessels they accuse of violating their respective restrictions.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas shipments.
