Oman: Attacked Tanker Towed to Port, Two Crew Members Missing
An oil tanker attacked off Oman has been towed to a port in the country, while two crew members remain missing, Oman’s Maritime Security Center said Tuesday.
The Panama-flagged “ELGAIA” was attacked about 103 nautical miles (191 kilometers) northeast of Musandam Governorate, according to Anadolu agency. The attack caused a fire to break out in its engine room, prompting the crew to evacuate the vessel. An Omani Royal Navy vessel responded quickly, evacuating 23 crew members and providing them with necessary medical care.
Search Operations Underway for Missing Crew Members
Search operations are continuing for the two missing crew members following Monday’s attack. The Oman Maritime Security Center has not released any further information about the identity or condition of the missing individuals. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) separately issued a report Tuesday, saying that a vessel had been struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz at 2040GMT Monday.
Unclear Whether Advisory Refers to “ELGAIA” Incident
UKMTO reported no damage or environmental impact and did not identify the vessel, leaving it unclear whether its advisory referred to the “ELGAIA” incident or another vessel. The UKMTO’s report has raised questions about the extent of the attack and whether other vessels in the area may have been affected.
As the search for the missing crew members continues, Oman‘s Maritime Security Center is working closely with international authorities to determine the cause of the attack and ensure the safety of all vessels operating in the region.
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