May 26, 2026, 3:18 p.mMay 26, 2026, 3:20 p.m
An explosion occurred on a tanker off the coast of Oman following a suspected Iranian attack. The captain reported an explosion on the ship’s hull, the British Merchant Shipping Safety Authority (UKMTO) said today.
The crew was safe, but fuel had leaked and flowed into the sea. Nearby ships were asked to navigate the area with caution.
Because the explosion occurred near the waterline, it could have been an attack by a drone boat or by a limpet mine planted on the ship’s hull.
Since the Iran war began three months ago, ships have been attacked several times in the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters. Because the strait is effectively closed to shipping traffic, according to US information, around 22,500 sailors are stuck on board more than 1,550 merchant ships in the Persian Gulf. (sda/dpa)