Tanker Damaged by Explosion Near Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Tensions
An explosion damaged a tanker near its waterline while sailing off Oman, about 60 nautical miles east of Muscat in the Gulf of Oman, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported. The captain confirmed the hull explosion, and while the crew and vessel are safe, some bunker fuel has leaked into the sea. UKMTO described the incident as an 'external explosion' but did not specify the cause. The blast near the waterline suggests a possible attack using a drone boat or limpet mine. This occurs amid heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has been laying mines as part of a campaign to block the waterway, which normally carries one-fifth of global oil production.
Key facts
- Explosion damaged a tanker near its waterline off Oman.
- Incident occurred about 60 nautical miles east of Muscat in the Gulf of Oman.
- UK Maritime Trade Operations reported the explosion as an 'external explosion'.
- Crew and vessel are safe; some bunker fuel discharged into the sea.
- Possible causes include a drone boat attack or limpet mine.
- Iran has been laying mines near the Strait of Hormuz to block the waterway.
- Strait of Hormuz carries one-fifth of global oil production.
- Tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz.
Entities
Institutions
- UK Maritime Trade Operations
Locations
- Gulf of Oman
- Muscat
- Oman
- Strait of Hormuz