Cargo ship catches fire after being hit by ‘unknown’ projectile in Strait of Hormuz, one killed

A cargo ship was hit by an “unknown” projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, causing a fire and leaving two people injured, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

“The security officer onboard a cargo vessel reports the vessel has been struck by an unknown projectile. Vessel is now on fire and adrift,” UKMTO said, adding that all crew members had been evacuated with two injuries reported.

Oman later said one crew member was killed and 27 others evacuated after the commercial vessel was targeted near Musandam Governorate, overlooking the Strait of Hormuz.

The Omani Maritime Security Centre said in a post on X that “A Royal Navy of Oman vessel, in cooperation and coordination with the relevant authorities, carried out an evacuation operation for the crew of the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged merchant vessel CAPE DAO.”

“A total of 27 crew members were evacuated and provided with the necessary medical care, after the vessel was targeted approximately 2.5 nautical miles off the Governorate of Musandam,” it said.

“The incident resulted in a fire breaking out in the engine room and the death of one crew member,” it added.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.