A crew member lost their life in an attack on an oil tanker sailing 52 nautical miles off Oman’s Muscat Governorate coast. Omani authorities repo that the Marshall Islands-flagged MKD VYOM fell victim to an explosive-laden remotely operated boat. The strike triggered a fire and blast in the main engine room, prompting the safe evacuation of the remaining 21 crew members.
Social media footage captures the vessel shrouded in thick black smoke.
Third Vessel Targeted Amid Escalation
This incident represents the third attack on shipping in the region since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran last Saturday. Those operations resulted in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, senior officials, and hundreds of civilians. Iran countered with missile and drone assaults on Israel and U.S. military bases, severely impacting navigation through the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Fuher Incidents in UAE Waters
Earlier the same day, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Center noted two vessels struck by projectiles in the United Arab Emirates—one near Sharjah and another near Mina Saqr. Crews escaped injury, and onboard fires were brought under control.
Strait of Hormuz Shipping Chaos
The Strait of Hormuz, positioned between Iran and Oman, channels about one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil and gas trade. Iranian officials insist the passage stays open to tankers, yet risks from ongoing strikes have halted most commercial traffic. More than 150 tankers carrying crude oil and LNG remain anchored in nearby Gulf waters, alongside dozens of others stalled beyond the key chokepoint. Insurers warn of policy cancellations and sharply increased premiums for vessels entering the Gulf and strait.
Sharp Rise in Energy Prices
Brent crude prices climbed nearly 13% Monday, hitting a 14-month high above $82.37 per barrel. European benchmark natural gas futures soared around 50%, the steepest single-day gain since March 2022.
