The El Gaia tanker attack occurred near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, leaving 23 crew rescued and 2 missing after a fire onboard the Panama-flagged vessel.
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Panama-flagged oil tanker El Gaia towed to Oman after fire and attack near Musandam Peninsula. 23 crew rescued, 2 missing. Iran and US give conflicting accounts on Strait of Hormuz incident.
MUSANDAM, OMAN – A Panama-flagged oil tanker was attacked near the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, triggering a fire in the engine room and leaving two crew members missing, according to the Oman Maritime Security Centre.The vessel, identified as MT El Gaia, is currently being towed to an Omani port after emergency response teams brought the blaze under control.
El Gaia tanker attack fire Strait of Hormuz Oman
23 Rescued, 2 Still Missing
According to Omani authorities, the incident occurred approximately 1.3 nautical miles north of the Musandam Peninsula, one of the narrowest and most critical chokepoints in the Strait of Hormuz.“Twenty-three crew members have been rescued safely. Search and rescue operations are ongoing for two missing crew members,” the Oman Maritime Security Centre stated.The fire reportedly broke out in the engine room immediately after the attack.Therefore Emergency crews managed to contain the fire, allowing the damaged tanker to be taken under tow toward Oman for further assessment.
Conflicting Accounts: Mines vs Missile vs Dron
The exact circumstances of the attack remain disputed, raising new concerns about maritime security in the region.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that the tanker struck naval mines while using what it described as a “restricted and unsafe route” near Iranian waters.
However, the U.S. military rejected Iran’s version. US officials stated that the vessel had “previously been struck by an Iranian missile and was later hit by a drone.”
These competing accounts have not been independently verified. No group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack as of press time.
Growing Threat to Strait of Hormuz Shipping
The attack on El Gaia adds to escalating maritime security concerns in and around the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil passes daily.The incident follows a series of recent attacks and seizures in the region, including drone strikes on Saudi pipelines and tanker seizures in the Red Sea.Maritime security experts warn that any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a sharp spike in global oil prices and insurance rates for commercial shipping.Omani authorities said their primary focus remains on the safety of the rescued crew and locating the two missing seafarers. However The damaged tanker will undergo a full damage assessment upon arrival at port
Why Strait of Hormuz Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical oil chokepoint. Nearly 20 million barrels of oil pass through it daily, accounting for 20% of global oil consumption. Any disruption, like the El Gaia tanker attack, immediately impacts global oil prices and shipping insurance rates.
Previous Incidents in Region
This is not the first incident in 2026. Earlier this month, Houthis seized part of the Red Sea coast and drone attacks shut down a Saudi pipeline. Maritime security experts warn that tensions between Iran and US are increasing risks for commercial vessels transiting Gulf waters.The Oman Maritime Security Centre confirmed 23 crew rescued.
El Gaia Tanker Attack Raises Insurance Costs
Maritime insurance companies are expected to raise war risk premiums for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz following the El Gaia tanker attack. Shipowners may now reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 10-14 days to voyages and increasing fuel costs. The incident highlights ongoing vulnerability of commercial shipping in Gulf waters.
Developing Story…
Straitofharmuz.co will continue to provide live updates on this incident.
Also Read: Houthis Take Red Sea Coast As Saudi Pipeline Shuts Down