A tanker operating in Qatari waters was struck by two projectiles late Tuesday evening, with one triggering an onboard fire, according to Ship & Bunker, citing a statement from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Incident Details
As reported by Ship & Bunker, UKMTO confirmed the attack took place at 22:35 UTC on Tuesday, with the vessel located approximately 17 nautical miles north of Ras Laffan, Qatar.
In a social media post, UKMTO stated that both projectiles struck the vessel. The first caused a fire, which has since been extinguished. The second failed to detonate and remains lodged in the vessel’s engine room, where it is currently being examined by the relevant authorities.
Source of Attack Unconfirmed
According to Ship & Bunker, UKMTO was clear that the origin of the projectiles has not been determined. The agency stated it “is unable to confirm the source of the projectiles and continues to investigate.”
No information regarding the vessel’s identity, flag state, crew condition, or cargo was included in the available reporting.
Investigation Ongoing
The situation remains active, with authorities continuing their assessment of the unexploded device and broader circumstances surrounding the incident. No further updates were available at the time of publication.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
