A tanker captain reported hearing two explosions while transiting the Strait of Hormuz near the coast of Oman, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center.
The maritime security body confirmed the vessel and its crew were unharmed and that no damage was sustained, but it issued an immediate alert for all ships in the zone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The incident underscores the persistent security risks in one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.
Although no physical harm occurred, the report of detonations in such a narrow and heavily trafficked corridor is likely to reinforce risk premiums in shipping insurance and freight rates.
Markets have been sensitive to any escalation in the region, with prior reports indicating a drop in Gulf shipping traffic amid broader Houthi claims of attacks on Saudi tankers.
The UKMTO’s warning serves as a reminder that even unconfirmed or non-damaging incidents can disrupt market sentiment.