A tanker was attacked by a small boat carrying explosive devices in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, October 29, causing a fire in its engine room and temporarily disabling the vessel, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The incident occurred approximately 25 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, while the tanker was transiting outbound from the strategic waterway. Maritime security sources identified the vessel as the Panama-flagged LOUISE 1, which was reportedly struck by two limpet mines attached to its hull above the waterline.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the crew was safe and the fire had been extinguished. No environmental damage was reported, and the vessel was able to resume its voyage toward its next port of call.

The attack marks the first known successful limpet mine strike against a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran conflict began in February 2026. The incident further raises concerns over the security of commercial shipping in the strategic waterway, a major route for global oil transportation.

UKMTO confirmed that all crew members were safe, the fire had been extinguished, and no environmental damage was reported. The tanker subsequently resumed its voyage toward its next port of call. The identity of those responsible for the attack has not been established.

The incident marks the first reported successful use of limpet mines against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran conflict began in February 2026. Maritime security experts warned that the use of small boats to attach explosives directly to vessels presents another security challenge for ships navigating the already high-risk waterway.