Two sailors missing after tanker attacked in Strait of Hormuz, Oman says
Two sailors are missing and 23 have been rescued following an attack on the Panama-flagged tanker El Gaia in the Strait of Hormuz. Conflicting reports exist regarding the cause, with Iran blaming naval mines while the US military cites missile and drone strikes.
Why it matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping chokepoint; escalating attacks here threaten global energy supplies and increase the risk of broader regional conflict.
Image source, Oman Maritime Security Centre Image caption, Oman's Maritime Security Centre said a fire broke out in El Gaia's engine room following an attack
Two sailors are missing and 23 others have been rescued following an attack on an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, Oman says.
Oman's Maritime Security Centre said the Panama-flagged El Gaia was being towed to an Omani port on Tuesday after a fire broke out in its engine room, adding that the vessel was targeted 1.3 nautical miles (2.4km) north of the Musandam peninsula.
On Monday, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the tanker hit naval mines and caught fire while passing through what they described as a restricted and unsafe route.
But the US military insisted the Iranian report was false. It said the tanker was struck by an Iranian missile last month and again by a drone over the weekend.
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