US Air Strike Hits Tanker Off Oman, Oil Slick Reported
A Guinea Bissau-flagged combined asphalt and bitumen tanker, matching the description of Jalveer, was hit by a US air strike on 11 June, according to maritime security firm Ambrey. The vessel is one of three struck by US forces in as many days.
Ambrey reported an oil slick and black smoke emanating from the tanker, which was struck with “precision munitions” by US forces. Satellite imagery reviewed by analysts indicated that a column of black smoke continued to emanate from the vessel’s stern, and an oil spill extended approximately 0.6NM to the southeast of the vessel.
The incident is part of a larger escalation in tensions between the US and Iran, with both sides engaging in naval blockades and attacks on commercial shipping. The US has warned of risk to vessels entering, leaving, or attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports since it effectuated a naval blockade of Iran several weeks ago.
Vessels Struck by US Forces: Marivex and Settebello
In the days leading up to the Jalveer strike, two other merchant vessels were hit by US forces. On 8 June, US military forces struck the sanctioned tanker Marivex as it sailed off the Omani coast. The strike by a US F/A-18 Super Hornet, with what CENTCOM described as “precision munitions”, was initially reported as an onboard fire by the UKMTO.
The incident forced the Indian Coast Guard in Mumbai to request an evacuation response from Omani authorities. Marivex is listed in Equasis as operating under what is indicated as a false Madagascar flag, and its crew of Indian nationals was all accounted for after the attack.
On 9 June, CENTCOM confirmed a similar strike against the Palau-flagged MR tanker Settebello. US Central Command posted a statement and video of the attack on its website, saying that the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces and had “violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran”. Settebello is listed by vessel database Equasis as United Arab Emirates-owned and operated.
Naval Blockade and Commercial Shipping
The US naval blockade of Iran has been in place for several weeks, and both sides have engaged in attacks on commercial shipping. The blockage has led to a significant increase in tensions between the two nations, with each side accusing the other of violating international maritime law.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued guidance on navigating the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea, warning of potential risks to vessels attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports. Vessel tracking websites such as MarineTraffic have reported increased activity in the region, with many vessels altering their routes to avoid the blockaded areas.
As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact it will have on global oil supplies and commercial shipping.
Original Article: Oil slick reported off Oman near tanker hit by US forces as US and Iran vie to move oil past blockades — Rivieramm