Oman evacuates 27 crew after commercial vessel attack near Musandam

Omani authorities have evacuated 27 crew members from a commercial vessel flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda after it was targeted approximately 2.5 nautical miles off the Musandam Governorate. The attack caused a fire in the ship's engine room and resulted in the death of one crew member.

The incident occurred near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor currently facing heightened security risks. While the identity of the attackers and the nature of the strike remain unconfirmed, the event follows a series of similar maritime incidents in the region.

According to data from the International Maritime Organization, there have been 83 confirmed maritime incidents and 23 sailor fatalities in the Strait of Hormuz and Middle East regions since the escalation began. Recent similar attacks near Musandam include the targeting of the Saudi oil tanker ‘SIDR’ and the vessel ‘EL GAIA’, both of which required emergency evacuations and resulted in casualties and engine room fires.