An oil tanker carrying 15 Indian nationals was struck off the coast of Oman on Sunday, injuring four crew members and prompting an emergency evacuation, according to maritime security officials.
The vessel, identified as Skylight, was hit approximately five nautical miles north of Khasab Port in Oman’s Musandam peninsula, near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The incident comes amid escalating military tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel.
20-Member Crew Evacuated
The Oman Maritime Security Centre confirmed that all 20 crew members were safely evacuated after the attack. The crew comprised 15 Indian nationals and five Iranian citizens.
Initial reports indicated that four crew members sustained injuries of varying severity. Authorities have not yet specified what weapon or object struck the vessel.
The tanker sails under the Palau flag and, according to shipping data, is registered to Sea Force Inc. and managed by Red Sea Ship Management LLC.
Regional Escalation Raises Maritime Risks
The attack followed earlier drone strikes at the commercial port of Duqm in Oman. It marks the first time that targets in or near Oman have been hit since retaliatory actions intensified across the Gulf region.
The developments come after reported joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent warnings about maritime safety in the region. Iranian state media later claimed that an oil tanker struck while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz was sinking, although details remain limited.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Nearly a quarter of global seaborne oil and around 20 percent of liquefied natural gas shipments pass through the narrow waterway.
Sanctions Background
The US Treasury Department had previously sanctioned Red Sea Ship Management and the vessel Skylight in December, alleging involvement in transporting Iranian petroleum products as part of a so-called “shadow fleet.”
India Monitoring Situation
Given the presence of 15 Indian nationals onboard, Indian authorities are expected to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with Omani officials to ensure the safety and well-being of affected crew members.
The incident highlights rising security risks for commercial shipping in the Gulf as geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, raising fresh concerns over energy supplies and maritime stability.
