UAE Oct 18, 2026 – A southbound tug was hit by two unknown projectiles northeast of Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The vessel sustained damage but remained underway, with one minor casualty reported.
UKMTO said it received the report of the incident and that authorities were investigating. Vessels in the area were advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity. The precise timing, identity of the tug, and nature of the projectiles were not detailed in the initial advisory.
The strike is the latest in a sustained series of attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, and approaches to the Strait of Hormuz. UKMTO and maritime security firms have logged multiple projectile strikes in recent weeks, including incidents involving tankers and container ships that resulted in fires, hull damage, crew evacuations, and at least two sinkings. Some earlier cases involved vessels linked to UAE operators or transit near key Emirati ports such as Khor Fakkan, which has seen increased traffic as an alternative hub amid restrictions farther inside the Gulf.
The pattern has coincided with the broader regional conflict that began in February 2026, contributing to sharp reductions in transit volumes through the Strait of Hormuz, elevated war-risk premiums, and higher oil prices. No group has claimed responsibility for the Sunday incident involving the tug. Shipping operators continue to adjust routes and procedures in response to the elevated threat environment.
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