Key facts
- A tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile approximately 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Dahit, Oman.
- The incident occurred amid a dispute over new southern transit routes promoted by Oman and supported by the IMO.
- Iran's IRGC Navy has warned shipping companies against using these new routes.
- The vessel's bridge was damaged, but no injuries or environmental impact were reported.
- Three Indian seafarers remain missing following a separate, suspected US missile strike on a tanker off Oman.
A cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile off the coast of Oman on Thursday, raising concerns over maritime security near the Strait of Hormuz. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported the incident, stating the vessel was hit approximately 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Dahit, Oman, damaging its bridge. The crew remained safe, and no environmental damage was reported, with the ship remaining operational.
The incident occurred hours after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy warned shipping companies against using newly designated southern transit routes promoted by Oman and supported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These routes run parallel to Oman’s coastline and were introduced to facilitate safer navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has rejected these alternative corridors, insisting on the use of approved northern routes that pass through waters under Iranian oversight, describing the Omani-backed routes as "unacceptable and highly dangerous."
Reports indicate that at least three vessels, including two oil tankers, have turned back while attempting to navigate the strait via the route running parallel to the Omani coast. In response to the escalating tensions, Iran's foreign minister held talks with his Omani counterpart, agreeing to continue discussions on managing navigation and security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Separately, three Indian seafarers remain missing after 21 other Indian mariners were rescued following an attack on their tanker, the Settebello, off the coast of Oman. Maritime officials indicated this tanker was hit in a suspected US missile strike. The Palau-flagged chemical/oil products tanker reported an engine room fire 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman's port of Sohar.