A cargo ship was hit by an unidentified projectile and briefly erupted in flames near the Strait of Hormuz, deepening fears over security at one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints. Maritime authorities said the vessel issued a distress call after the impact off the UAE coast near Ras Al Khaimah, with crew members evacuating as a fire broke out on board before being brought under control. A second container ship also reported damage from a suspected projectile in nearby waters, with UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirming both incidents occurred roughly 25 nautical miles from the emirate and that all crew were reported safe while the extent of damage remained under investigation.