‘Unknown Projectile’ Hits Vessel Off Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Coast, Sets Main Deck Ablaze

Last Updated:August 24, 2026, 4:01 PM IST

The incident took place 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu, the Saudi port city on the Red Sea, according to the maritime security agency.

This handout satellite image taken by 2026 Planet Labs PBC shows the oil infrastructure at Saudi Arabia’s western Red Sea port of Yanbu. (IMAGE: AFP)

A tanker was struck by an “unknown projectile” off Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast on Monday, causing a fire on the vessel’s main deck, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.

The incident took place 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu, the Saudi port city on the Red Sea, according to the maritime security agency.

“The Company Security Officer reported a tanker has been struck by unknown projectile causing a fire to the vessel on the main deck,” UKMTO said.

All crew members were safe and accounted for, and no environmental impact was reported following the incident, it said.

UKMTO advised vessels operating in the area to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to the maritime security agency.

The incident comes amid a series of recent attacks on commercial shipping in the region. On August 17, an unmanned cargo vessel was struck by multiple unknown projectiles about 40 nautical miles southeast of Al Mukha, Yemen, in the southern Red Sea. The vessel was subsequently declared a constructive total loss.

A week earlier, on August 11, the Egyptian-owned cargo ship Tihamah was attacked in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with four crew members killed and others injured. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi forces claimed responsibility, saying the vessel was carrying Saudi military equipment.

Key Questions Answered

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Who is responsible for these Red Sea attacks?

The tanker struck off Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast was hit by an “unknown projectile”. The source of the attack and the type of projectile used were not identified. However, the Iran-aligned Houthi movement had previously announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea.

What are the risks for ships in this region?

Ships in the region face risks from unknown projectiles, which have caused fires on vessels, and from attacks by Iranian state forces. There have also been reports of unmanned cargo vessels being struck by multiple unknown projectiles and cargo ships coming under armed attack.

Could this incident impact global shipping routes?

The incident off Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is part of a series of attacks on commercial shipping in the region. Such incidents, particularly if they occur alongside tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, could put simultaneous pressure on two of the world’s most important energy and trade corridors, potentially increasing shipping costs and insurance premiums. Disruptions in these critical routes could affect global oil supplies and broader economic sectors.

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About the Author

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a chief sub editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has …Read More

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