A tanker was hit by a projectile of unknown origin about 117 kilometers west of the Saudi port of Yanbu, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Organization (UKMTO) reported, quoted by “Reuters“, BTA reports.
As a result of the impact, a fire broke out on the main deck of the vessel. According to UKMTO data the entire crew is safe, and at the moment there is no information about pollution or other environmental consequences.
The organization did not indicate who could be behind the attack. Saudi authorities have also not yet commented on the incident.
Yanbu is a key route for Saudi oil
The port of Yanbu is Saudi Arabia's main Red Sea port for oil exports. Millions of barrels are loaded from there daily, and the route has gained even greater importance for Saudi Arabia as an alternative oil export route bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is blocked by Iran, forcing some oil supplies to be redirected to other routes.
At the same time, shipping near Yanbu is also facing difficulties. The reason is the blockade of Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea announced last month by the Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels.
Houthis step up attacks in the region
In recent weeks, the Houthis have carried out a series of attacks on Saudi oil facilities and ships in the Red Sea.
In July, the group said it had attacked facilities of Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco in Yanbu.
The latest incident further increases tensions around one of the key oil export routes from Saudi Arabia and puts even more serious pressure on shipping in the Red Sea.