Latest attack brings the total number of confirmed maritime aggression incidents to 21, says UKMTOIran fires a barrage of missiles in the latest Middle East war. Photo: IRNACasualtiesA ship is on fire after being hit by an unknown projectile near the United Arab Emirates deepwater port of Khor Fakkan.The master of the ship, which has yet to be formally identified, is missing, according to security firm Vanguard.It said the ship was ablaze and had been abandoned by its crew, 15 of whom were rescued by a nearby ship at the anchorage.The incident occurred about 11 nautical miles (20 km) east of the Khor Fakkan port, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).UKMTO has yet to identify the vessel or determine who attacked it, although observers strongly suspect Iran.This attack brings the total number of confirmed maritime incidents to 21 since Iran began targeting shipping in response to US President Donald Trump’s Operation Epic Fury.“Since the start of hostilities on 28 February, more than 20 maritime incidents involving commercial vessels and offshore infrastructure have been reported across the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman,” said the UKMTO.The maritime threat environment remains critical, UKMTO said, noting that the incidents involved a wide range of vessel types and flag states.“There is no consistent pattern of Western ownership linkage, suggesting that the current strike pattern reflects a campaign aimed at broad maritime disruption rather than selective vessel targeting,” UKMTO said.UKMTO noted that attacks may occur across a broad operating area of the Middle East Gulf.This includes ships in anchorages, engaging ship-to-ship operations and or making port approaches.The maritime watchdog urged commercial vessels operating within the critical threat area to maintain contact with it.This latest attack came hours after QatarEnergy confirmed that its Ras Laffan Industrial City had been attacked by missiles.This morning, Vanguard reported that a Qatar-flagged tug, named HALUL 69, had been hit by debris from a drone close to Ras Laffan.It said the bridge window had been damaged, but there had been no structural impact on the tug, and its crew were safe.TradeWinds reported on Wednesday that a Star Bulk Carriers ship holed in an Iranian attack off Dubai last week successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz.The 82,800-dwt Star Gwyneth (built 2006) was attacked while anchored in the Middle East Gulf on 11 March, leaving it with a two-metre hole in the No 1 cargo hold. None of the crew was hurt.(Copyright)