A tanker has been struck by "multiple projectiles" north of Qatar in the Gulf, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency. The incident, which happened 51 nautical miles (94km) from Madinat al-Shamal, has resulted in reported casualties.
Maritime intelligence firm Vanguard identified the vessel as the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged oil and chemical tanker Acers. The tanker was reported to be laden with cargo on Saturday as it sailed towards the Strait of Hormuz waterway.
Merchant vessels have come under repeated attack in the region since the US and Israel's war with Iran began in February. The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) states that at least 24 seafarers have been killed in 93 confirmed incidents.
The IMO also noted that the last incident resulting in casualties was on 9 September, when two sailors died in an attack on the Panama-flagged tanker El Gaia in the Strait of Hormuz. This latest attack is also the first reported incident on a ship this far west of the Strait of Hormuz since that same day, according to Martin Kelly, head of advisory at EOS Risk Group.
Separately, Vanguard reported a fire on board another tanker on Thursday in the Gulf of Oman, approximately 40km east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. The vessel was likely the Marshall Islands-flagged Dhalkut, though the cause of the fire is unclear and the UKMTO has not reported an incident in that area.