UKMTO reports “security incident” in Strait of Hormuz, 30 km from Khasab port — crew safe

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Thursday evening what it described as a “security incident” in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic waterways, which has been at the center of the US–Iran war for months. The incident occurred about 16 nautical miles (30 kilometers) northeast of the Omani port city of Khasab, according to UKMTO’s initial notice.

UKMTO said the affected crew members were reported safe and that no environmental impact from the incident has been confirmed. The British organization gave no further details about the nature of the incident or the vessel involved, but promised further updates as information is confirmed.

The news comes amid continued tension in the strait, where on Wednesday only three cargo ships passed through — an almost empty level for a waterway that before the war carried about 20 percent of the world’s oil and LNG. Although CENTCOM has insisted the strait remains open despite the blockade on Iran, shipping companies continue to avoid the area.

The new incident is expected to push maritime insurance prices and shipping rates higher again, already at their highest levels in many years, according to market data cited in recent days’ coverage.

Source: Al Jazeera