'Unknown projectile' hits vessel near Saudi port of Yanbu

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said on Monday that a commercial vessel was struck by an "unknown projectile" some 63 nautical miles west of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port of Yanbu, causing a fire on the main deck.

Projectile strike

The company security officer reported that the tanker was struck by an unknown projectile that ignited a fire on the main deck. "The Company Security Officer reported a tanker has been struck by unknown projectile causing a fire to the vessel on the main deck," the UKMTO stated in a notice published on X.

Crew safety

All personnel aboard were reported safe following the incident, with the UKMTO confirming that no environmental damage had occurred. "All crew are safe and accounted for and no environmental impact has been reported," the maritime body noted, adding that emergency protocols were successfully implemented.

Navigation alert

The UKMTO urged vessels transiting the area to exercise heightened caution and to report any suspicious activity immediately. Commercial traffic through the Red Sea has faced repeated security threats in recent months, with several vessels targeted in the strategic waterway.