UKMTO has issued a number of alerts around the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: UKMTO

An “unknown projectile” struck the vessel, which resulted in a fire onboard while it was 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai in the currently closed Strait of Hormuz.

The crew was forced to evacuate the ship, with all reported “safe and well”, according to an alert from United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

Authorities are investigating the incident and UKMTO has advised any and all vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to them.

No group or military has yet claimed responsibility for the incident, which is the latest escalation after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz not long after the United States and Israel launched strikes at the country at the end of February.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key strategic area of the region with 20 million barrels of oil passing through it each day a fifth of global oil consumption. Up to one-third of the world’s supply of liquefied natural gas passes through the key maritime chokepoint.

Iran has threatened to set fire to any ships attempting to pass through the strait. Already, Iranian forces have set fire to a US oil tanker after striking it in the northern Gulf, according to state media.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran’s regime on Tuesday against putting mines in the Strait, or else they would see “military consequences” at a level “never seen before.”

He said on Truth Social: “If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY!

“If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the Military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before. If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction!

“Additionally, we are using the same Technology and Missile capabilities deployed against Drug Traffickers to permanently eliminate any boat or ship attempting to mine the Hormuz Strait. They will be dealt with quickly and violently. BEWARE!”