Muscat, Oman – The Omani Maritime Security Centre announced on Sunday that an oil tanker was attacked from the air north of the port of Khasab in the strategic Musandam Governorate. The attack resulted in injuries to four people. This incident represents a new development reflecting escalating security tensions in the region’s vital waterways.
Details of the targeting and crew evacuation
The center explained in a statement carried by the Oman News Agency that the targeted tanker is named Skylight and flies the flag of the Republic of Palau.
The incident occurred just 5 nautical miles north of the port of Khasab. This location is of paramount strategic importance due to its control over maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Immediately after the attack, rescue teams were dispatched to evacuate the tanker’s crew of 20. The crew consists of 15 Indian nationals and 5 Iranian nationals.
Rescue operations and readiness
The statement indicated that the four injured individuals were transferred to nearby hospitals to receive necessary treatment. It emphasized that the rescue and evacuation operations were carried out with high-level coordination among various military, security, and civilian agencies in the Sultanate. The center also noted that the rapid response reflects the complete readiness of Omani state institutions to deal with maritime emergencies. This response also demonstrates the commitment to protecting the safety of navigation in its territorial waters. This attack on the oil tanker “Skylight” comes at a time of widespread military unrest in the region, affecting vital installations and maritime routes. This has raised international concerns about the security of global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for transporting oil from the Gulf to the world.
