The ship was hit while passing through waters outside Omani territory near the strait. The crew are reported to have requested assistance and are being evacuated. There are no initial reports of injuries.
UKMTO reported at about 4am local time another suspected attack on a cargo ship, this time off the Emirati port of Ras al-Khaimah, after the ship's command raised the alarm. At that time, its crew were said to be unharmed.
Iran has sought to block the vital trade route in response to US and Israeli military operations, and has threatened to attack ships that attempt to pass through. A large portion of global oil exports pass through the narrow strait, which runs between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
