The Panama-flagged containership MSC Sariska V was damaged following two explosions southeast of Umm Qasr, Iraq, on June 1, in what maritime security agencies are investigating as a possible attack.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the vessel was transiting about 40 nautical miles southeast of Umm Qasr when it was struck on its starboard side by an unidentified projectile, causing a large explosion. A second impact later triggered a fire, which was extinguished without reported injuries to the crew.
Videos circulating on social media showed significant damage above the waterline on the vessel’s starboard side.
The MSC Sariska V, a Panama-flagged containership with a capacity of 4,830 TEU, had reportedly completed cargo operations in Umm Qasr and was sailing toward Qatar as part of a regional Gulf feeder service.
Maritime security analysts said the visible damage appears inconsistent with a mine strike and may indicate an attack involving an uncrewed surface vessel or another projectile.
The incident is the third reported maritime security event in Iraqi waters since the escalation of the US-Iran conflict earlier this year. Previous cases involved explosions and fires aboard tankers operating near Kuwait and Al Basrah.
UKMTO said authorities are continuing to investigate the latest incident. No environmental pollution has been reported.
