Blast Hits Tanker Near Oman, Crew Safe Amid Hormuz Talks
An explosion was reported in close proximity to the oil products tanker Velos Amber off the coast of Oman on Sunday, with all crew members confirmed safe. The incident occurred approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was last tracked approaching the Strait of Hormuz via the US-designated shipping route along the Omani coast before its AIS signal went offline. Maritime authorities have launched an investigation into the event, and the UKMTO has advised all vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and immediately report any suspicious activity.
The incident comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that negotiations between Tehran and Muscat regarding the management of the strategic Strait of Hormuz are “nearing completion”. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told state television that an understanding with Oman over a revised shipping lane was imminent, which would respect the sovereign rights of both sides and safeguard national interests and security.
The Strait of Hormuz has seen a decline in vessel movement, according to maritime intelligence firm Kpler, following a resurgence in strikes last month. The dispute over transit rights through the vital waterway triggered the latest round of military strikes, but the US President has signalled a shift in strategy following intense diplomatic engagements.
The UKMTO’s report of the explosion near the Velos Amber tanker has raised concerns about maritime security in the region. Iran‘s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) has published a photograph purportedly showing a tanker with its aft section engulfed in flames, although this cannot be independently verified at the moment.
The investigation into the explosion is ongoing, and the UKMTO‘s advisory to exercise caution in the area remains in place. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the need for continued diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz.
This incident is reminiscent of previous maritime security incidents in the region, such as the attacks on oil tankers in 2019, which raised concerns about the safety of shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
