A tugboat was hit by unidentified munitions off the UAE coast, sustaining damage but continuing its journey. One person was injured.
In a written statement made by UKMTO, it was reported that they received a tip from a reliable source regarding a tugboat being struck by unidentified munitions northeast of the port of Hor Fakkan in the UAE.
It was stated that the tugboat was attacked while heading south; however, despite this, it continued its course. It was recorded that one person was lightly injured as a result of the attack.
Due to the war that began with the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28 and the subsequent maritime blockade imposed by the US, Iran is significantly restricting the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and is targeting ships that attempt to pass through the Strait 'without permission.'
The damaged tugboat continued its course.
According to UKMTO's statement, damage occurred to the tugboat as a result of the attack. However, it was reported that the vessel did not lose its navigational capability and continued to progress along its planned route.
While it was confirmed that one person was lightly injured, detailed information regarding the identity and health status of the injured individual was not shared.
The name, flag, operator of the tugboat, and the operation it was conducting at the time of the attack have not yet been disclosed.
No technical assessment regarding the extent of the damage to the vessel has been announced to the public.
The source of the attack is being investigated.
The type of the two munitions that struck the tugboat and the point from which they were fired have not yet been determined.
No official statement has been made regarding whether the attack was carried out by missile, rocket, or unmanned aerial vehicle.
No party has claimed responsibility for the incident.
UKMTO reported that the relevant authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident.
Security warning for vessels in the area.
The British maritime security organization has warned commercial vessels navigating in the waters off Hor Fakkan and its surroundings to be cautious.
Vessels in the area have been requested to report any suspicious activities and security incidents to UKMTO.
Hor Fakkan is located on the UAE's coast along the Gulf of Oman and east of the Strait of Hormuz. The region holds strategic importance for maritime transport between the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
Attacks around Hormuz continue.
Following the war that began with the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28, 2026, commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman have faced increasing security threats.
Iran's restriction of passage through the Strait of Hormuz and the US's maritime blockade against Iran have directly affected maritime transport in the region.
In UKMTO's security assessment for the week ending October 16, it was reported that 12 attacks were recorded in the region. Of these, 10 occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, one in the Persian Gulf, and one in the Gulf of Oman.
It was noted that six of the attacked vessels continued their voyages or reached port, one vessel was lost, and two vessels lost their navigational capability. Information regarding the status of three vessels has not been confirmed.
The latest attack that occurred off Hor Fakkan on October 18 indicated that security threats to commercial vessels continue.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
