Kuwait-flagged tanker Al Salam II was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a small hull breach and fire.
A Kuwait-flagged crude oil tanker Al Salam II was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on August 25, 2026, according to maritime security information.
The incident caused a small breach above the vessel’s waterline and a fire onboard. The crew managed to extinguish the fire, and no injuries or oil pollution were reported.
The latest incident adds to growing security concerns for commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
Al Salam II Hit While Sailing Eastbound
According to information reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the tanker was sailing eastbound through the Strait of Hormuz when it was hit at approximately 17:30 UTC near Khasab, Oman.
The projectile struck the vessel above the waterline, causing a small hole in the hull and a minor fire.
The crew responded to the incident and successfully extinguished the fire.
At the time of the reports, all crew members were safe, and there were no reports of environmental pollution.
The incident is being investigated, while vessels operating in the area have been advised to maintain caution.
Al Salam II Vessel Details
The vessel involved was identified as Al Salam II, a Kuwait-flagged oil tanker.
The tanker was built in 2007 and measures approximately 228 metres in length with a beam of 32.25 metres. Its IMO number is 9328168.
The attack occurred while the vessel was transiting one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, making it a critical route for international oil transportation.
Another Tanker Was Hit Just One Day Earlier
The incident involving Al Salam II came only one day after another tanker was attacked in the region.
On August 24, the Liberia-flagged crude oil tanker Metro Venetian was struck by an unidentified projectile off Oman.
The projectile reportedly hit the vessel’s engine-room area, causing damage and leaving the tanker without propulsion. The crew was reported safe, and no environmental impact was reported at the time.
The close timing of the two incidents has raised further concerns about the security of commercial shipping around the Strait of Hormuz.
Growing Risk for Commercial Shipping
The latest attacks highlight the continuing risks faced by merchant vessels operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping traffic through the waterway has already fallen significantly compared with normal levels. Reuters reported that AIS-tracked vessel movements were around 90% below pre-conflict levels during the August 15–21 period.
Despite the reduced traffic, some tankers continue to transit the waterway, exposing crews and vessels to significant navigational and security risks.
For shipowners and operators, the situation creates additional challenges involving voyage planning, war-risk insurance, security assessments and crew safety.
What Happens Next?
The circumstances surrounding the attack on Al Salam II remain under investigation, and no responsibility for the projectile attack has been established in the reports reviewed.
For seafarers, however, the incident is another reminder of how quickly the security situation can change in a major commercial shipping route.
As long as tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, vessels transiting the area are likely to face increased security precautions and operational uncertainty.
