Tanker reports explosion while leaving Strait of Hormuz-Xinhua - 新华网

LONDON, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- A tanker transiting outbound through the Strait of Hormuz reported an explosion at its port-side waterline late Thursday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said Friday.

All crew members were safe and accounted for, and the tanker remained under its own power and was continuing its voyage, the agency said.

The incident occurred at 22:00 GMT on Thursday, some 16 nautical miles (about 30 km) east of Khasab, Oman, according to a delayed report received from the vessel's master.

Khasab lies on Oman's Musandam Peninsula, along the southern side of the Strait of Hormuz. The advisory did not specify the cause of the explosion or the extent of any damage.

Authorities were investigating, the UKMTO said, advising vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity. ■