Indian Sailors Evacuated After Tanker Struck in Gulf of Oman
The tanker was operating close to Masirah Island, south of the Strait of Hormuz, when the incident occurred on Monday. Reports indicated that emergency distress calls were issued at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time as the situation on board rapidly deteriorated.
The event took place amid escalating tensions in the region after Israel and Iran exchanged missile attacks earlier the same day, heightening concerns about security around the strategic waterway.
According to a statement released by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on X, the Palau-registered vessel was traveling through international waters in the Gulf of Oman and heading toward Iran when it was intercepted. US officials alleged that the ship was “attempting to sail to an Iranian port.”
Reports noted that Washington has maintained a naval and economic blockade on Iranian ports since mid-April. US authorities say the measures were introduced in response to restrictions imposed by Tehran on commercial shipping movements through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route that handled roughly 20% of global energy shipments before the current crisis intensified.
CENTCOM stated that US forces took action after the vessel allegedly ignored instructions from military personnel. According to the command, an F/A-18 Super Hornet operating from the USS Abraham Lincoln launched a precision-guided munition against the tanker.
Following the strike, rescue operations were carried out, and Indian officials later confirmed that all crew members had been evacuated safely. The incident has drawn international attention as tensions continue to rise in the Gulf region and maritime security remains under close scrutiny.
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