An Antigua and Barbuda-flagged tanker has been struck by multiple projectiles in the Gulf north of Qatar, with casualties reported, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency.

Maritime intelligence firm Vanguard identified the vessel as the Acers, an oil and chemical tanker. The attack occurred about 51 nautical miles, or 94 kilometres, from Madinat al-Shamal.

The number of casualties and the extent of damage were not immediately specified. Vanguard said the tanker had been reported carrying cargo on Saturday while heading towards the Strait of Hormuz.

The incident adds to repeated attacks on merchant vessels since the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran began in February. According to the International Maritime Organization, at least 24 seafarers have been killed in 93 confirmed incidents.

The IMO said the previous attack involving fatalities occurred Sept. 9, when two sailors were killed aboard the Panama-flagged tanker El Gaia in the Strait of Hormuz.

Martin Kelly, head of advisory at EOS Risk Group, said the latest incident was also the first reported ship attack this far west of the strait since that date.

Separately, Vanguard reported a fire Thursday aboard another tanker in the Gulf of Oman, about 40 kilometres east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. It identified the vessel as likely the Marshall Islands-flagged Dhalkut. The cause remains unclear.

The Strait of Hormuz normally carries about a fifth of global oil and gas shipments. The U.S. military has been providing protection for tankers moving oil through the waterway amid continued threats to shipping.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda-Flagged Tanker Struck by Multiple Projectiles Near Qatar; Casualties Reported.