London, July 20 -- A vessel caught fire in the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Monday following a missile strike, prompting an immediate evacuation of the mariners on board.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the incident, stating that "the crew safely abandoned the vessel and have been recovered by a tug boat".

According to the maritime security watchdog, the assault took place approximately 15 km (8 nautical miles) northwest of Kumzar, Oman.

Assessing the status of the stricken ship, the agency noted that the crisis remains active as the vessel continues to float unmanned.

"The fire has not been extinguished and the vessel is currently adrift," it said in a statement. "Vessels are advised to transit with ca...