A tense escalation in the strategic waters of the Middle East occurred on Sunday when a tanker carrying 20 crew members, including 15 Indian and 5 Iranian nationals, was struck in the Hormuz Strait near the Musandam Peninsula. The incident, confirmed by the Oman Maritime Security Centre, left four crew members injured.
The vessel, the Palau-flagged tanker ‘Skylight’, was hit approximately five nautical miles from Khasab Port in Musandam. All crew were safely evacuated following the attack, but authorities have not disclosed the type of weapon used in the assault. Immediate response teams were deployed to ensure the crew’s safety and secure the surrounding waters.
The tanker is owned by C Force Incorporated and operated by Red Sea Ship Management LLC. In December 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on both the company and the vessel, citing alleged involvement in transporting Iranian petroleum products as part of a so-called “shadow fleet.” According to the maritime tracking platform TankersTrackers.com, the small tanker primarily serves as a refuelling vessel for other ships and had been anchored in the Musandam Governorate area since 22 February.
The Hormuz Strait is one of the world’s most crucial maritime chokepoints, linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Around 20% of global oil shipments pass through this narrow passage, making any military activity or disruption here a potential trigger for global energy market fluctuations.
Tensions in the strait have been escalating: on Saturday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran announced via radio that the Hormuz Strait would be closed to international navigation, issuing VHF warnings to all vessels that passage would not be permitted. Several oil companies and tanker operators subsequently suspended transit, while marine insurers halted coverage in the area due to the heightened risk.
The table below summarises the key information regarding the incident:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of Attack | Hormuz Strait, near Musandam, Oman |
| Vessel Name | Skylight |
| Flag | Palau |
| Crew on Board | 20 (15 Indian, 5 Iranian) |
| Injuries | 4 crew members |
| Owner & Operator | C Force Incorporated, Red Sea Ship Management LLC |
| US Sanctions | Imposed December 2025 |
| Anchoring Status | Anchored since 22 February in Musandam Governorate |
| Strategic Importance of Strait | ~20% of global oil shipments pass through |
| Recent Iranian Warning | IRGC announced closure to international navigation |
Experts warn that incidents like these not only jeopardise maritime security but also risk wider geopolitical and economic repercussions. Global oil prices could experience volatility, and shipping operators remain on high alert while monitoring developments in the strait.
The attack underscores the vulnerability of commercial shipping in strategic waterways and highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran and the broader international maritime community. Authorities continue to evaluate security measures to ensure safe passage for vessels and mitigate further risks.