UKMTO reports tanker incident off Oman as Iran claims mine strike near Hormuz

October 22 ------ UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an incident involving a tanker and military forces off Oman, while Iran claims a supertanker carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude oil struck a naval mine near the Strait of Hormuz.

According to UKMTO Advisory 178-26, the incident occurred on 19 October 2026 at approximately 1000 UTC, around 121 nautical miles east of Duqm, Oman. UKMTO said the tanker had been subject to interaction involving military forces as part of ongoing military activity in the region. The advisory did not identify the vessel or specify the nature of the interaction.

Authorities have been informed, and relevant investigations remain ongoing. UKMTO advised vessels operating in the area to consider the latest maritime security information and maintain awareness of the evolving operational environment.

Iran reports supertanker explosion following alleged mine strike

Separately, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy claimed on 20 October that a supertanker carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude oil had struck a naval mine south of the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in an explosion and fire.

According to a statement carried by Iranian state broadcaster IRIB and reported by Anadolu Agency, the vessel was allegedly attempting to leave the strait through what Iranian authorities described as an unauthorized southern route. The IRGC Navy claimed that the tanker had switched off its radar and navigation systems and ignored warnings before striking the mine. However, Iranian authorities did not identify the vessel, its flag or its operator, nor did they provide information regarding the crew, possible casualties or the extent of the damage.

The reported circumstances of the mine strike have not been independently verified, and it remains unclear whether the Iranian statement and the UKMTO advisory concern the same vessel or separate incidents.

Maritime security concerns in the region

The IRGC Navy also issued a warning to vessels operating in the Gulf and the Sea of Oman regarding compliance with routes designated by Iranian authorities. The statement warned that ships disregarding what Iran considers security requirements for passage through the Strait of Hormuz would face consequences.

The latest reports come amid continuing military activity and maritime security concerns affecting commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

Source: safety4sea.com