Maritime security firm Vanguard said the incident occurred approximately 9 nautical miles north of Khasab, on Oman’s Musandam Peninsula.     The master of a passing Panama-flagged tanker reported seeing the unidentified vessel on fire and mostly underwater, raising concerns that it may have sunk or be in the process of sinking.    Another vessel was observed nearby, potentially assisting the stricken ship, although no rescue operation has been confirmed.    The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre subsequently issued a warning about a vessel burning in the same area, citing a report from the master of a third-party ship.     UKMTO said the crew’s status remained unknown, with no information available on the extent of damage or potential environmental impact. It advised vessels in the area to exercise caution while authorities investigate.     The British maritime security centre has not independently confirmed that the vessel was struck by a projectile or that it is sinking.      The ship’s identity, flag, ownership and cargo have yet to be established. There has also been no confirmation of casualties or whether any crew members have been evacuated.     The latest incident comes amid continued attacks on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with tankers and other merchant vessels repeatedly targeted during the ongoing US-Iran confrontation.    Several attacks in recent months have resulted in the loss of vessels, including the bulk carrier Cape Dao, which sank after being struck off Khasab in September, and the containership GFS Pride, lost in the strait earlier this month.     The International Maritime Organization’s latest figures show 121 confirmed maritime incidents across the Middle East this year as of October 27, with 24 seafarer fatalities recorded.    

The fate of the tanker involved in Thursday’s incident and those onboard remains unconfirmed.