Chinese-owned tanker hit near Strait of Hormuz

A Chinese-owned oil tanker has been hit by fire near the Strait of Hormuz, in what is being described as the first known attack on a Chinese oil tanker since the Iran war began.

The vessel, JV Innovation, reported a fire on its deck while off the United Arab Emirates coast near Mina Saqr.

The Marshall Islands-flagged oil products and chemical tanker remained operational after the incident, with crew still on board.

The ship's chief engineer said it was not yet clear who carried out the attack or why.

No casualties were reported.

The engineer said the bow of the ship was hit and caught fire, and suggested the strike may have involved artillery shells or a drone, although that could not be confirmed.

The incident matters because it adds to tensions around one of the world's most sensitive shipping routes.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key passage for oil and fuel shipments, and any attack there raises concern for commercial traffic in the wider Gulf.

According to the vessel's chief engineer, there were 22 crew members on board, including more than 10 Chinese nationals, as well as seafarers from Myanmar and Indonesia.

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