# MT El Gaia tanker attack in Strait of Hormuz > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mt-el-gaia-tanker-attack-in-strait-of-hormuz > Updated: 2026-09-13T15:01:02.000Z. Sources: 57. Developments: 2. The Panama-flagged Indian supertanker MT El Gaia was attacked off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in an engine-room fire and the disappearance of one Indian crew member. While 13 of the 14 Indian nationals on board were rescued and moved ashore, search and rescue operations continue for the remaining missing seafarer. Oman’s Maritime Security Center reported the vessel was located approximately 103 nautical miles northeast of the Musandam Governorate. The fire has since been brought under control, and the tanker is being towed to port by a regional partner. A dispute persists between Iran and the United States regarding the cause of the incident. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims the vessel exploded after striking naval mines while navigating a restricted southern route. However, US Central Command (CENTCOM) has dismissed these claims, asserting that the vessel was previously struck by an Iranian missile last month and was hit by an Iranian drone this past weekend near the coast of Oman. US officials characterized the IRGC’s statements as attempts at intimidation to impede commercial shipping. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the incident as an “unacceptable attack on commercial vessels,” calling for regional de-escalation and the restoration of safe navigation. The incident has increased regional tensions and led to the short-notice cancellation of a scheduled meeting of Gulf state foreign ministers. The Indian Embassy in Oman is currently coordinating with local authorities to assist in search efforts. ## Claims - The supertanker El Gaia hit a naval mine while attempting to cross a restricted area in the southern Strait of Hormuz. (disputed by 16 sources) - US Central Command disputes the mine claim, stating the Panama-flagged tanker El Gaia was hit by an Iranian missile last month and an Iranian drone this past weekend. (disputed by 12 sources) - US Central Command denied the tanker hit a mine, stating the vessel was hit by an Iranian drone attack. (disputed by 2 sources) - The Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Thirteen of the 14 Indian crew members on board the MT El Gaia were rescued. (corroborated by 18 sources) - India has called for immediate de-escalation of tensions and the use of diplomacy in the region. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The entire supertanker was engulfed in flames following the explosion. (corroborated by 15 sources) - The Indian Embassy in Oman is coordinating with local authorities for search and rescue operations. (corroborated by 14 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: MT El Gaia tanker attacked off Oman coast; one Indian crew member missing One Indian seafarer remains missing after an attack on the Panama-flagged tanker MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman. Thirteen other Indian crew members were rescued, and the vessel is being towed to port. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indian-coast-guard-rescues-21-after-merchant-vessel-collision-off-gujarat ### 2026-09-13: El Gaia supertanker catches fire in Strait of Hormuz The Panama-flagged tanker El Gaia caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claims it hit naval mines, while US CENTCOM asserts it was hit by Iranian missiles and drones. 39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/el-gaia-supertanker-explodes-after-hitting-mine-in-strait-of-hormuz --- Cite as: MT El Gaia tanker attack in Strait of Hormuz. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mt-el-gaia-tanker-attack-in-strait-of-hormuz