A tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz reported an explosion at its waterline 16 nautical miles east of Khasab, Oman, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said Friday.
In a warning to shipping, UKMTO said the tanker’s master reported the blast on the vessel’s port side at 10 p.m. UTC Thursday while outbound through the strait. The crew is safe and accounted for, and the tanker remains under its own power and is continuing its voyage.
UKMTO did not say what caused the explosion, and authorities are investigating. The center advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.
The Strait of Hormuz, between Iran and Oman, carries roughly a fifth of global oil consumption, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and security incidents there are closely watched by shipping and energy markets.
JBizNews Desk | London
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