Vessel reported on fire off Iraq’s al-Faw: UK maritime agency

By Rania Abushamala

ISTANBUL (AA) - The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said Monday it had received multiple third-party reports of a vessel on fire 63 nautical miles (117 kilometers) southeast of al-Faw, Iraq.

The status of the crew, the extent of the damage and any environmental impact remained unknown at the time of the report, according to the agency’s warning notice.

UKMTO advised vessels to transit the area with caution and report any suspicious activity while authorities investigate the incident.

The notice, dated Oct. 26, classified the incident as “suspicious activity.” It did not identify the vessel or specify the cause of the fire.

Rania R.a. Abushamala