Tanker Hit Near Ras Al-Khaimah

An oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, triggering a fire in its engine room and prompting an emergency response.

The incident occurred approximately 14 nautical miles northwest of the emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah, while the Liberia-flagged MT Dominica Prosperity was drifting off the port of Mina Saqr.

The vessel was reportedly struck at the stern while leaving the Strait of Hormuz. British maritime agencies confirmed the incident, while maritime security reports indicated that the impact caused damage to the engine room.

Firefighting operations were underway at the time of the initial reports.

All 22 Crew Members Safely Evacuated

All 22 crew members aboard the tanker were safely evacuated, according to India’s shipping minister, Sarbananda Sonowal. The crew included 19 Indian nationals.

The vessel is owned by South Korea’s Haut Brion 56 Ltd and operated by Sinokor Maritime Co Ltd, according to maritime security information.

No further details about the extent of the vessel’s damage or the identity of those responsible were provided in the available information.

Strait of Hormuz Security Risks Remain Elevated

The attack adds to growing concerns over commercial shipping security in the Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz, where incidents involving vessels have increased in recent weeks.

The strategic waterway carried nearly one-fifth of global crude oil shipments before the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

Continued attacks in the region raise concerns about the safety of tanker movements and the reliability of energy transportation routes. The latest incident also highlights the risks facing vessels operating near the Strait, even when they are moving away from the waterway.

What Investors Should Watch Next

Energy market participants will be monitoring further maritime security developments, particularly whether additional vessels are targeted and whether shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz face further disruption.

The extent of damage to the MT Dominica Prosperity, the outcome of firefighting efforts and any subsequent security assessments could provide further insight into the incident.

With the Strait serving as a major route for global crude shipments, sustained attacks could increase concerns over transportation risks and add uncertainty to oil supply expectations.