GEM NO.2 struck by unknown projectile off UAE coast, UKMTO reports

UKMTO: UKMTO is a British navy-affiliated agency that monitors and reports on maritime security incidents and threats to commercial shipping. In the reported event, it issued an advisory about a vessel struck by an unknown projectile off the UAE coast, noting the fire was extinguished and that an investigation is underway. The agency highlighted the incident as part of a recent widening of risks for ships in the region. GEM NO.2: GEM NO.2 is the Panama-flagged crude supertanker involved in the reported maritime incident. It was struck by an unknown projectile approximately 13 nautical miles west of Al Jazeera in the UAE, resulting in a fire that was later extinguished. The vessel was at anchor off the UAE coast when the strike occurred. Gem No.2 Maritime Corp: Gem No.2 Maritime Corp is the Panama-based operator of the crude supertanker GEM NO.2, as listed in shipping databases. It is directly connected to the news as the owner of the vessel struck in the incident, though the company could not be reached for comment. The firm operates the Panama-flagged tanker that was fully laden with oil at the time. Incident Trends: Attacks and intimidation targeting tankers have become more frequent in recent days, leading maritime centers to call for added crew vigilance and industry monitoring. Maritime Security: Maritime security sources indicated the strike occurred outside the Hormuz area, signaling a potential widening of risks to shipping in the Gulf. Regional Developments: Iran has issued new warnings that it would block unauthorized routes through the Strait of Hormuz, heightening threats to tankers attempting critical shipments.