Qatar says cargo vessel coming from Abu Dhabi attacked in its waters

DUBAI, May 10 (Reuters) - A cargo vessel was attacked by a drone on Sunday in Qatari waters northeast of Mesaieed port as the ship travelled from Abu Dhabi, causing a limited fire that was contained, the Qatari Defence Ministry said.

No injuries were reported and the vessel continued its journey towards the port.

• The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said earlier a bulk carrier had reported being struck by an unknown projectile while sailing 23 nautical miles northeast of Doha, the capital of Qatar.

• Authorities are investigating the source of the projectile, UKMTO said. The statement by Qatar's Defence Ministry did not specify the origin of the drone.

• Vessels in the area have been advised to transit with caution.

• Ships in the Gulf have been attacked by Iran since the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on February 28.

• The Strait of Hormuz, the vital energy-trade chokepoint that connects Gulf oil producers to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, has been virtually closed since.

• Separately, a Qatari tanker crossed the Strait towards Pakistan on Sunday, while Washington continued to wait for Tehran's response to its latest proposals to begin peace talks.