In a sharp escalation of the Middle East conflict, a Palau-flagged oil tanker named Skylight was struck approximately five nautical miles north of Khasab Port in Oman’s Musandam Governorate, marking the first confirmed attack on commercial shipping directly in the Strait of Hormuz region.
All 20 crew members aboard — 15 Indian nationals and 5 Iranian nationals — were safely evacuated, according to Oman's Maritime Security Centre. Four crew members sustained injuries and have been transferred for medical treatment. Iranian state television reports the vessel is now sinking, with circulating footage and verified images showing thick black smoke rising from the ship.
Iran Confirms Strike and Declares Strait of Hormuz Closed
Iran has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating the Skylight defied orders and attempted to cross the waterway illegally after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued VHF radio warnings declaring the Strait of Hormuz closed to international navigation.
The narrow chokepoint, which handles roughly 20% of global oil and gas shipments, connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. This effective blockade follows joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and multiple senior officials, prompting widespread Iranian retaliation.
Additional incidents reported Sunday include drone-related events at Oman's Port of Duqm and Dubai's Jebel Ali Port, further underscoring regional volatility.
Oil Markets Surge Amid Supply Disruption Fears
The developments have triggered immediate turbulence in global energy markets. Brent crude prices jumped around 10% in early trading, approaching levels that analysts warn could reach or exceed $100 per barrel if the closure persists and disrupts Gulf exports.
Major shipping operators, including Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM, have suspended transits through the Gulf, with vessels rerouting or holding position. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and Oman Maritime Security Centre continue to issue urgent advisories, urging vessels in the area to exercise extreme caution.
Navigating the Volatile New Reality in the Strait
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most vital energy arteries, with Oman sharing oversight of its narrowest points via the Musandam peninsula. The attack on the Skylight — a smaller product tanker reportedly under prior US sanctions and anchored off Oman since late February — highlights how commercial shipping has become entangled in the broader geopolitical standoff.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. Official updates from Oman's Maritime Security Centre, UKMTO, Reuters, and Iranian state media will continue to shape the response from governments, energy traders, and shipping firms worldwide.
For the latest maritime safety information, consult the UKMTO website or Oman Maritime Security Centre advisories. This report draws on verified statements from multiple authorities to ensure accuracy and balance as events unfold.
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