Oil Tanker Catches Fire Near Strait of Hormuz After Projectile Strike

A commercial tanker caught fire after being struck by an unknown projectile about 8 nautical miles off Kumzar, Oman, on 19 July, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). Maritime security firms identified the vessel as Kavomaleas. The crew safely abandoned the tanker and were recovered by tugboats, while the vessel remained ablaze with no reported environmental damage. The incident comes amid heightened security tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, where commercial shipping continues to face increased risks following a series of attacks and military activity in the region.