One More Vessel struck off Oman as dozens of tankers operate under ‘digital darkness’ in Hormuz

MUSCAT, Aug 8: A vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile about 18 nautical miles east of Khasab, Oman, on Saturday, causing a fire that was later extinguished, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.

UKMTO said the vessel and its crew were safe and that no environmental impact had been reported. The agency did not immediately provide details on the type of vessel or the source of the projectile.

Meanwhile, at least 56 tankers are operating without normal digital tracking as they move through the Strait of Hormuz, according to vessel-tracking service TankerTrackers.

The company said the tankers were using what it described as “digital darkness” while supporting oil exports from Arab states neighboring Iran. Some vessels were also reportedly conducting covert ship-to-ship transfers in the Gulf of Oman.

The activity allows oil shipments to continue despite disruptions to commercial shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, where heightened tensions have increased risks for vessels transiting the waterway.