Tanker hit by 'unknown projectile' off Saudi coast
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Fire breaks out aboard tanker near Yanbu.
- Tanker struck 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu.
- Crew safe after Red Sea tanker strike.
- UKMTO warns ships after Yanbu tanker incident.
A commercial tanker caught fire in the Red Sea on Monday, after being struck by an "unknown projectile" off the western coast of Saudi Arabia, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
The maritime monitoring agency reported receiving an alert from the vessel's Company Security Officer regarding the strike, which occurred roughly 63 nautical miles west of the Saudi port city of Yanbu.
"The Company Security Officer reported a tanker has been struck by unknown projectile causing a fire to the vessel on the main deck," the UKMTO stated in a warning notice issued on social media platform X.
UKMTO WARNING 119-26
— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) August 24, 2026
Click here to view the full product.https://t.co/mmhfDsrx3V#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/knJNCNwtGE
Crew unharmed
The UKMTO confirmed that despite the fire on board, the situation was contained regarding personnel safety and environmental concerns.
"All crew are safe and accounted for and no environmental impact has been reported," the UKMTO added.
The agency advised all vessels operating in the vicinity to transit with caution and promptly report any suspicious maritime activity as monitoring of the situation continues.
