The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said on Friday that an oil tanker was attacked by a drone while sailing out of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, causing minor damage but no injuries to crew members or environmental damage.
Tanker and perpetrator not disclosed
In a statement, the agency said it had received reports from military authorities that the tanker had been targeted by a drone, confirming that the crew members were safe and that there had been no pollution or environmental damage.
The agency did not disclose the identity of the oil tanker, nor did it identify the party responsible for the attack. It urged vessels passing through the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.
Restrictions on navigation in the strait
The incident comes amid restrictions imposed on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz since the war in the region broke out on 28 February. Iran currently requires vessels to coordinate their passage with it and use a route exclusively along its coastline.
According to the source material, Iran intends to impose a «service fee» on vessels wishing to use this route, a move strongly opposed by the United States.
