Last week, a bulk carrier was hit by projectiles in the Arabian Sea near the coast of Oman, adding to the growing security concerns spreading beyond the Strait of Hormuz.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations received a report on April 7 about this attack, which took place approximately 112 nautical miles southeast of Ras Al Hadd. The captain of the ship reported that it was struck by "two unidentified projectiles," which caused a fire onboard.
A vessel from the Pakistan Navy came to assist, and authorities later confirmed that the incident was over. However, there was no information provided about any casualties or the level of damage.
This report aligns with an alert from the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre Pakistan, emphasizing the ongoing monitoring of threats in the area.
UKMTO WARNING 036-26
— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) April 14, 2026
Click here to read the full warning??https://t.co/J0FHDI6d5f#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/qjgfXWDOv6
Although the attack happened outside the Strait of Hormuz, its location—near the eastern approaches to the Gulf of Oman—makes it significant since it's a key route for ships moving in and out of the Gulf. In recent weeks, most focus has been on disruptions and security issues closer to the Strait, where shipping traffic has slowed considerably due to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Additionally, on April 9, UKMTO issued a warning about “possible Pirate Action Group” activities near the Horn of Africa, urging mariners to stay alert and report any suspicious actions. This warning followed a recent incident where a hijacked fishing vessel near Somalia was reclaimed after naval forces pressured the pirates to abandon it.
These incidents reflect a wider trend of maritime attacks, piracy, and unusual activities. Even as the situation within the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain, shipping operators must now consider a larger area of risk that extends across the Gulf of Oman and into the western Indian Ocean.