Ships Advised to Proceed with Caution After Tanker Hit by Projectile in UAE

A tanker ship has reported being struck by an unidentified projectile, according to the British maritime agency United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), adding that all crew members are safe. The agency called on ships to cross the area “with caution” while authorities conduct an investigation. The incident occurred approximately 78 nautical miles north of the city of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, the agency said, as reported by AFP news agency on Monday (4/5/2026). The report comes as the US and Iran remain deadlocked in peace negotiations since the ceasefire in the Middle East war took effect on 8 April. Iran has maintained control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and the United States has imposed a naval blockade in retaliation. US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday (3/5) local time that the US will begin escorting ships through the strait starting Monday (4/5). The US Central Command said it will use guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 military personnel in the effort. On 29 April, more than 900 commercial ships were in the Gulf region, according to maritime intelligence firm AXSMarine. Previously, there were more than 1,100 ships at the start of the conflict.