Missiles hit Malta-flagged container ship in Strait of Hormuz
Safeen Prestige was sailing to Saudi Arabia from Dubai
Updated 4.50pm
A Malta-flagged Egyptian container ship was struck by two missiles off the coast of Oman while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
The Safeen Prestige issued an emergency call and contacted Maltese authorities to report being hit by a missile at around 1pm Malta-time.
The 13-year-old ship was sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, from Shargah in Dubai en route to Jedday, Saudi Arabia. It was expected to reach Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
The ship was two nautical miles north of Oman, "transiting eastbound in the Straits of Hormuz" when it was "hit by an unknown projectile just above the water line, causing a fire in the engine room," according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Transport Minister Chris Bonett told parliament that the ship was hit by two missiles, causing its engine room to catch fire.
The vessel sustained "relatively serious" damage but crew members were rescued unharmed, he said.
A maritime committee has been convened to discuss the attack and further steps.
"We appeal for the safety and security of ships and their crews," the minister said. "No conflict should impact global maritime shipping."
It was the fourth reported attack in regional waters within 24 hours, after projectiles struck or landed near three other vessels off the Emirati and Omani coasts.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Wednesday said they had "complete control" over the vital waterway, through which around 20 per cent of global seaborne oil passes, and warned that any vessels seeking to pass risked damage from missiles or stray drones.
The threat has spooked insurers and led to multiple vessels cancelling transits through the area.
Shipping giants such as CMA-CGM, Maersk, MSC and Cosco have all suspended transits through the area with immediate effect and implemented diversions to other ports.
With energy prices already spiking, US President Donald Trump had said the US Navy was ready to escort oil tankers through the crucial shipping route. He has also said US authorities will offer shippers insurance coverage.
More to follow