A Palau-flagged chemicals and oil products tanker has been struck near the strait of Hormuz, highlighting the risks facing commercial shipping as the US-Israel-Iran conflict spreads across the Mideast Gulf. The incident comes as regional tensions rise following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, in co-ordinated attacks by the US and Israel on Saturday.
Oman's Maritime Security Centre said the Skylight was hit about five nautical miles north of Khasab port in Musandam governorate. "All 20 crew members — 15 Indian nationals and five Iranian nationals — were evacuated. Four crew members sustained injuries of varying severity and were transferred for medical treatment," the centre said.
Omani authorities said rescue operations were conducted by military, security and civilian agencies. No official details have been released on the extent of the vessel's damage.
Shipping data show Skylight is a small products tanker of about 11,262dwt, equivalent to roughly 80,000–85,000 bl depending on cargo density. While modest compared with crude carriers transiting Hormuz, the strike underscores concerns about navigation safety in one of the world's most strategic energy corridors.
Skylight has previously appeared in US sanctions listings linked to Iran-related oil trade. The vessel is designated under US Treasury measures targeting networks that transport Iranian crude and refined products. It is not yet clear whether the strike was deliberate or the result of wider exchanges of drones and missiles across the region.
The strait of Hormuz handles about a fifth of globally traded oil and a major share of LNG exports from Qatar and the UAE. Any sustained threat to tankers near Omani, Emirati or Iranian waters would raise insurance premiums, extend voyage times and reduce available tonnage as shipowners reassess risk.
The strike on Skylight follows missile and drone attacks across the Mideast Gulf, including strikes claimed by Iran on US military facilities in Saudi Arabia and reported interceptions over the UAE and Kuwait. Several Gulf states have restricted airspace and raised maritime security levels in response.
Oman's Duqm port today was hit earlier today by two drones, injuring one worker, state-owned agency ONA said, marking the first time the sultanate has been drawn directly into the confrontation.
Panama-flagged vessels told to avoid conflict area
The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has urged all Panama-flagged vessels to avoid operating near Iran, Israel, the Mideast Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the strait of Hormuz "because of the security risk due to the recent increase of tensions within the Middle East, which could have a direct impact on vessels and crew".
The notice was addressed to Panamanian seafarers on board the Cypres and the Captain Michael, which are currently operating in the area, the PMA said.
The PMA recommended that Panama-flagged vessels take full security measures and avoid the listed areas. If transit is unavoidable, shipowners should ensure all necessary precautions are taken.
Traffic through the strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply — though not halted — according to Kpler data. Most vessels are waiting at safer anchorages. Even so, the Ultramax bulker Jin Hai Wo and the LPG carrier HH Glory passed eastbound through the strait earlier today, Kpler said.
By Bachar Halabi and Andrey Telegin
