Tanker Lipsi disabled after projectile strike in Strait of Hormuz

On October 4, 2026, the Liberian-flagged tanker Lipsi, an Aframax/LR2 vessel managed by the Greek-controlled Dynacom Tankers Management, was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The incident resulted in damage to the engine room, leaving the 115,000-deadweight-tonne vessel disabled and adrift. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued Warning 150-26, confirming the strike and stating that while the crew remains safe and there are no immediate environmental impacts, the ship's engine room was hit. While Cyprus Mail reports the vessel is adrift, Sigma Live notes that the crew has been working to extinguish a fire that broke out in the engine room following the impact.

The attack occurred amid heightened maritime tensions in the region, with earlier reports suggesting a vessel near the Omani coast had altered course after facing threats from Iranian forces. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global transit point for approximately 20% of the world's hydrocarbon consumption. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, and UKMTO has advised all other vessels transiting the strategically vital waterway to exercise extreme caution as they navigate the area.