Beirut: A cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Gulf southeast of Iraq, causing a ‘large explosion,’ according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) on Monday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the UKMTO received a report of an incident involving a cargo ship transiting the Gulf about 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr, Iraq. The agency detailed that the vessel was impacted on its starboard side by an ‘unknown projectile,’ which resulted in a ‘large explosion.’

The UKMTO stated that at the time of reporting, there was no awareness of any environmental impact resulting from the incident. Currently, there is no available information regarding casualties, the extent of damage to the vessel, or the identity of the projectile involved.

The agency noted that relevant authorities are conducting an investigation into the incident.