The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued maritime security alerts after reports that a tug was struck by missiles near the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement on Friday, March 6, 2025, UKMTO said it received a report that a vessel had been struck by unknown projectiles in the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, which is also one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
“UKMTO has received a report of an incident 6NM north of Oman in the Straits of Hormuz. A third-party source has reported a tug being hit by unknown projectiles in the Straits of Hormuz.”
The maritime safety information service stated the incident is under investigation and has not released further details at this time.
“Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” the alert adds.
According to The Maritime Executive, multiple maritime security consultants have identified the vessel involved as the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-flagged salvage tug Mussafah 2, built in 2012.
The vessel is approximately 26 meters long and was reportedly en route to assist the containership Safeen Prestige, which experienced an engine-room fire earlier in the week after being struck by a projectile off the coast of Oman.
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Maritime security firm Vanguard Tech reported that the tug was struck by two missiles approximately 18 nautical miles off the coast of Khasab, Oman.
The report said eight crew members were aboard the tug, and they are feared to have been killed in the attack. No official confirmation of casualties has been issued.
Series of maritime incidents reported near Strait of Hormuz
The vessel’s automatic identification system (AIS) signal reportedly ceased after it departed Mina Zayed port in the UAE the day before the incident.
The Kenya Times has reached out to the UK Maritime Trade Operations for official comment.
The reported missile strike is the latest in a series of recent security incidents affecting regional shipping.
Earlier this week, UKMTO issued alerts describing several suspicious or hostile events:
- A container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz reported being hit by an unknown projectile above the waterline, triggering a fire in its engine room.
- Another vessel reported seeing a splash from a projectile near the ship about 20 nautical miles west of Dubai.
- A tanker anchored southeast of Mubarak Al Kabeer in Kuwait reported hearing an explosion, seeing a small craft leave the area, and then spotting oil on the water.
Authorities stated that crews aboard those vessels are safe, though investigations are ongoing.
The Strait of Hormuz is among the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors. A significant portion of global crude oil shipments passes through this narrow channel daily, making it vital to international energy markets.
The reported attack in the Strait of Hormuz comes as United States President Donald Trump approved a major financial initiative to protect shipping traffic in the Gulf.
U.S. maritime security plan
On Friday, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced a maritime reinsurance facility that could insure shipping losses up to $20 billion on a rolling basis.
DFC CEO Ben Black and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveiled the plan.
Officials said the program is designed to restore confidence in maritime trade during the conflict with Iran and to ensure shipments of oil, liquefied natural gas, gasoline, and other commodities continue to move through the region.
According to DFC, the reinsurance facility will insure losses up to approximately $20 billion on a rolling basis. This revolving insurance offering will also apply only to vessels that meet the criteria, focusing on Hull & Machinery and Cargo to start.
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The agency stated it has identified preferred American insurance partners.
“DFC and Treasury are coordinating closely with CENTCOM on next steps in the implementation of this plan. DFC will continue to provide additional information as it becomes available. Businesses and financial institutions seeking access to DFC’s Maritime Reinsurance product should contact DFC directly at [email protected].”
Earlier this week, President Trump indicated that naval escorts could be deployed if necessary to ensure the continued flow of energy shipments through the Gulf.
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