An explosion has reportedly hit an Israeli-owned ship in the Sea of Oman, causing damage to its hull. Reuters cited a US defense official as saying that the ship, the MV HELIOS RAY, was hit by an explosion above the water line overnight on Thursday. It allegedly suffered holes in both sides of its hull. The cause of the explosion was not clear. Israel’s Kan broadcaster quoted the ship’s owner, Rami Ungar, as saying, “The damage is two holes, diameter approximately 1.5 meters,” adding that the cause of the blast was unclear. “There is no damage to the engine, and no casualties among the crew.” The vessel, believed to be a Bahaman-flagged roll-on, roll-off vehicle carrier, was forced to turn back towards a port, reports said.