Cargo Vessel Struck by Mysterious Projectile in Strait of Hormuz

The maritime security operations centre managed by the UK Royal Navy, UKMTO, received a report that a cargo vessel was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, 11 March 2026 in the early hours local time. The incident occurred only hours after a similar event affecting another ship in this strategic shipping corridor, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

UKMTO received a report that a bulk carrier was struck by an unknown projectile approximately 50 nautical miles (around 93 kilometres) north-west of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

After being struck by the projectile, the vessel’s captain subsequently reported the incident to the British-based maritime security monitoring body.

There were no reports of environmental damage. The crew was reported safe with no injuries, according to the notification.

The competent authorities have launched an investigation. Vessels transiting the area have also been advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.

The latest incident occurred following another report earlier the same day concerning a cargo ship that was hit by an unknown projectile in this strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is traversed by approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily. Disruptions in the strait have driven up oil prices since US-Israeli attacks against Iran began on 28 February.

Escalation in the region intensified after Israel and the United States launched a combined military operation against Iran on 28 February. The strikes have to date resulted in more than 1,200 deaths, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.