A Panama-flagged containership has been damaged in what appears to be the third reported attack off Iraq since the US-Iran conflict erupted in late February, fuelling fresh fears over maritime security in the northern Arabian Gulf even as diplomatic efforts continue to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it received reports of an incident involving a cargo vessel about 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr, Iraq. According to the advisory, the vessel was struck on its starboard side by an unknown projectile while transiting the Gulf, triggering a large explosion.
“UKMTO is unaware of any environmental impact at this time,” the organisation said. “Authorities are investigating.” A subsequent update said a second impact caused a fire aboard the vessel, which was later extinguished. No crew injuries were reported. Videos circulating on social media appear to show heavy damage to the starboard side of the Panama-flagged containership MSC Sariska V, although the vessel’s operator has yet to comment publicly.
The visible damage, located above the waterline on the starboard side amidships, appears inconsistent with a mine strike and instead points to a possible uncrewed surface vessel attack, similar to incidents reported elsewhere in the northern Gulf during the conflict.
The incident follows two earlier attacks reported by UKMTO in Iraqi territorial waters.