A cargo ship has been struck by an unknown projectile in the Gulf, south-east of the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Monday that the ship was hit by a projectile that has not yet been identified whilst passing through the Gulf. It caused a major explosion on board.
There are no indications of environmental damage as yet.
Relevant authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident and the circumstances surrounding it, UKMTO said.
The Iraqi authorities have not yet commented. No further details regarding the origin of the projectile were immediately available.
