admin 
London, UK | March 12, 2026: The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued an urgent alert after three merchant vessels were hit by projectiles in Gulf waters. The incidents raised serious concerns about maritime security in the region.
Officials said the first incident happened 5 nautical miles south of Al Basrah in Iraq. Reports indicated that two commercial tankers came under attack from unknown projectiles.
Fires Break Out on Tankers
A Company Security Officer (CSO) confirmed that the attack started a fire on one tanker. Crew members quickly evacuated the vessel and remained safe.
Another tanker also suffered damage from a projectile strike. The attack caused a fire onboard the vessel. Authorities evacuated the crew safely.
Officials said the damage did not cause any environmental impact so far.
Third Vessel Hit Near UAE
In another incident, a container ship came under attack about 35 nautical miles north of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates.
The ship’s master reported that a projectile caused a small fire onboard. However, the entire crew remained safe.
UKMTO Issues Safety Warning
After the attacks, the UKMTO warned ships operating in the Gulf region. The agency asked vessels to stay alert and report suspicious activity.
Officials advised ships to move through the area with caution.
Rising Maritime Tensions in the Region
Recent weeks have seen several attacks on commercial ships in the Middle East. These incidents have increased security concerns for global shipping routes.
Reports also showed that an oil tanker caught fire near Basra in Iraq after an attack near Umm Qasr port in the Persian Gulf. Videos circulating online showed flames rising from the vessel.
Earlier Attack on Oil Tanker
On March 1, Iran reportedly launched a sea-based drone strike on the crude oil tanker MKD VYOM. The attack occurred 44 nautical miles off the coast of Oman.
The explosion damaged the engine room and killed one crew member.
In another case, a small craft struck the Bahamas-flagged tanker Sonangol Namibe near Iraq’s Khor al Zubair port.
India Expresses Concern
India also raised concerns after the Thai vessel Mayuree Naree came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz. The ship was traveling toward India when two projectiles struck the vessel.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned attacks on commercial shipping. Officials said such attacks threaten global trade and human lives.
Growing Global Security Concerns
The United States military has also discussed measures to protect shipping routes in the region. Officials may target vessels that attempt to place naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Security experts warn that repeated attacks on merchant ships could disrupt global energy supply and international trade.
About The Author
