Two sailors missing after tanker attacked in Strait of Hormuz, Oman says

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1. 57m ago

   Two sailors missing after tanker attacked in Strait of Hormuz

   Oman is conducting search and rescue operations for two missing sailors after the Panama-flagged tanker El Gaia was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel carried 25 crew members, consisting of 14 Indian and 11 Pakistani nationals. One of the missing crew members is Pakistani seafarer Hammad Obaida. The United States and Iran disagree on the cause of the incident, with the U.S. claiming Tehran struck the vessel twice and Iran asserting the tanker exploded after hitting mines. Iran has stated the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed.

   Why it matters

   The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil transit point. Tensions are heightened by a Saudi pipeline shutdown and reports that the El Gaia was operating in dark mode.

   What is confirmed

   • Two sailors are missing after a tanker attack in the Strait of Hormuz.
   • Oman is conducting search and rescue operations.
   • The U.S. rejects Iran's claim that the tanker hit a mine.
   • The tanker El Gaia was operating in dark mode.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The tanker exploded after colliding with mines.
   • Tehran struck the vessel twice.
   • The vessel had 25 crew members, including 14 Indian and 11 Pakistani nationals.
   • Pakistani seafarer Hammad Obaida is among the missing.
   • Iran intends to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the Omani search and rescue operation
   • Official verification of the crew manifest and missing persons
   • Evidence confirming the method of attack
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. NewsNation — Iran: Strait of Hormuz to stay closed as Saudi pipeline shutdown adds pressure
   2. The Jerusalem Post — Oil tanker exploded after colliding with mines in Hormuz, Iran's Fars reports
   3. Iran International — Live - US rejects Iran's claim tanker hit mine, says Tehran struck vessel twice
   4. gCaptain — U.S. Rejects Iran’s Mine Claim as Hormuz Shipping Threat Remains Severe
   5. bbc.com — Two sailors missing after tanker attacked in Strait of Hormuz, Oman says
   6. The Hindu — Tanker El Gaia hit in the Strait of Hormuz was operating in ‘dark mode’
   7. The Maritime Executive — Oman Conducts SAR as US and Iran Argue Over Circumstances of Tanker Attack
   8. arynews.tv — Pakistani seafarer Hammad Obaida missing after tanker attacked in Strait of Hormuz
   confidence 70%