Oman initiated a search and rescue operation for the crew of the El Gaia oil tanker on September 15, 2026. This tanker, flying the Panama flag, was attacked near the shores of Oman, and two of its crew members have gone missing. While Iran claims that the tanker hit a mine in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) asserts that the ship was inactive at the time and was attacked for the second time.
Details of the Incident and Timing
The El Gaia oil tanker was attacked on September 12 or 13 near the shores of Oman. Reports indicate that an emergency call was made before a fire broke out in the engine room and the crew was evacuated. This tanker, built in 2005 and weighing 48,000 tons, is managed by the United Arab Emirates.
The rescue operation was announced by the Oman Maritime Security Center, stating that 23 crew members were evacuated from the ship and are receiving medical treatment. However, two crew members are still missing, and the damaged tanker is being towed to one of Oman's ports.
Reactions to the Incident
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has also condemned the attack, stating that one of the 14 Indian crew members is missing. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran also stated in a statement that the tanker was attempting to pass through a restricted area in the southern Strait of Hormuz. This statement suggests that the maritime route the tanker took was "dangerous" and "illegal."
In response to these claims, CENTCOM has strongly denied Iran's reports, deeming them examples of "lies and intimidation efforts." Some experts, including Martin Kelly, a consultant at EOS Risk Group, have expressed skepticism about Iran's narrative, calling it "fear-mongering."
The United States has repeatedly stated that it has cleared all mines from the Strait of Hormuz and has recently reported on Iran's attempts to deploy new mines in this waterway. While some observers disagree on the number of ships passing through this waterway, the United States claims that it is open and that ships are passing with U.S. protection.
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