Cargo ship struck in the Strait of Hormuz; one crew member killed, others evacuated
What happened A cargo ship was struck while transiting the Strait of Hormuz via the Omani route on the morning of 23 September. The strike caused a fire in the engine room and the vessel drifted. The crew was evacuated.
Who says what - The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), reported via Geopolitics Watch, said the vessel had been struck by an "unknown projectile", was on fire and adrift, and that two casualties had been reported and the crew evacuated. UKMTO's account was published on 23 September. - Oman's Maritime Security Centre said the attack caused a fire in the engine room and "the death of one crew member", and that 27 other crew members were evacuated. Middle East Eye published this account on 23 September and attributed the figure to Omani and Indian authorities. - The UKMTO account and Oman's account differ on casualties: UKMTO reported two casualties (unspecified), while Oman's Maritime Security Centre said one crew member was killed and 27 evacuated. Middle East Monitor repeated UKMTO's initial report saying two people were injured and all crew evacuated, then noted Oman's later statement of one killed and 27 evacuated.
Figures - Killed: 1, according to Oman's Maritime Security Centre as reported by Middle East Eye (Omani and Indian authorities said one Indian sailor was killed). - Injured: no confirmed figure. UKMTO initially reported two casualties/injuries; UKMTO's report is the source for the claim of two injured but Oman's later account specifies one killed and does not confirm injuries.
Other details - The victim was reported by Middle East Eye to be an Indian national; this attribution comes from Omani and Indian authorities as reported by Middle East Eye. - Two pictures of the incident were received with no captions.
Timeline - Morning of 23 September: UKMTO reported the vessel struck, on fire and adrift; initially reported two casualties and that the crew had been evacuated. - Same day: Oman's Maritime Security Centre said the attack caused a fire in the engine room, that one crew member had been killed and that 27 other crew members were evacuated. Indian authorities were reported to confirm the killed crew member was Indian.
Uncertainties and contradictions - Casualty figures differ between sources. UKMTO's initial report said two casualties/injuries; Oman's Maritime Security Centre said one crew member was killed and 27 evacuated. The latest direct source for a death is Oman.
Sources - UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), via Geopolitics Watch (23 September). - Oman's Maritime Security Centre, as reported by Middle East Eye (23 September). - Middle East Monitor (24 September), reporting UKMTO and later noting Oman's statement.