Oil Tanker Attacked Off Oman, 1 Injured, 2 Missing; Suspected US Missile Strike

Maritime officials reported that an oil tanker was suspected of being hit by a US missile off the coast of Oman on the 10th, leaving two crew members missing and one injured. Reuters reported that British maritime security company Ambrey assessed that "this is highly likely an action carried out by the US to blockade Iranian ports." Another maritime security source also stated the vessel was likely struck by a US missile. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a Palau-flagged chemical/oil tanker reported an engine room fire 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar Port, Oman. British maritime risk management group Vanguard said the stricken vessel was the Settebello, and the Omani Navy responded to its distress call. According to the vessel tracking platform MarineTraffic, the tanker was carrying some cargo and was last shown off the coast of Oman on the 1st of this month. The operator listed in the database is based in India, and Reuters was unable to reach them for comment. The US began blocking shipping related to Iran on April 13 after Iran significantly restricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil and gas shipping lane. On the 8th, CENTCOM stated that US forces had disabled 7 non-compliant vessels, diverted 134 compliant vessels, and allowed 42 humanitarian aid ships to pass. There have been no reports of casualties from these operations so far.