The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre has on March 11 reported three separate incidents involving commercial vessels struck by unknown projectiles in Gulf waters, raising concerns about maritime security in the region's key shipping lanes.

A bulk carrier was hit approximately 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, according to UKMTO Warning 020-26. The vessel's master reported the strike at 02:05 UTC, with all crew members reported safe and no environmental impact recorded.

In a more serious incident, a cargo vessel was struck by an unknown projectile 11 nautical miles north of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in a fire onboard. The vessel's company security officer reported the attack at 04:35 UTC. The crew evacuated the vessel after requesting assistance, according to UKMTO Warning 019-26.

A third vessel, a container ship, also sustained damage from a suspected projectile, though the extent of the damage remains under investigation by the crew. All crew members were reported safe and accounted for.

UKMTO has advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity while authorities investigate the incidents.