An oil tanker carrying 20 crew members, including 15 Indian nationals, was damaged in an attack by Iranian forces on Sunday in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, near the Musandam Peninsula in Oman. Four crew members sustained injuries in the assault, according to the Oman Maritime Security Centre.
The vessel, the Palau-flagged tanker Skylight, was struck approximately five nautical miles off Khasab port, Musandam. All crew members were safely evacuated following the attack. Authorities have not confirmed the precise type of weaponry employed, though preliminary assessments indicate the use of heavy munitions capable of penetrating hull defences.
The tanker is registered under C Force Incorporated and operated by Red Sea Ship Management LLC. In December 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on both the company and the tanker, citing allegations that they operated as a so-called “shadow fleet” transporting Iranian petroleum products. According to TankersTrackers.com, the Skylight is a small-scale tanker primarily used to supply fuel to other vessels and had been anchored in the Musandam Governorate area since 22 February.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments pass through this narrow waterway, making it a critical artery for international energy supplies. Any escalation in regional tensions, therefore, has the potential to directly impact global oil markets.
Adding to regional tensions, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had announced on Saturday via radio communications that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed to international shipping. Several vessels reportedly received warnings via VHF radio, stating that no passage would be permitted. Consequently, several oil companies and tanker operators temporarily suspended navigation through the strait, and maritime insurance providers have also withheld coverage due to heightened risk.
Key Incident Details:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Skylight |
| Flag | Palau |
| Crew Members | 20 (15 Indian, 5 Iranian) |
| Injuries | 4 |
| Location | 5 nautical miles off Khasab Port, Musandam |
| Owner | C Force Incorporated |
| Operator | Red Sea Ship Management LLC |
| Attack Type | Undisclosed, heavy munitions suspected |
| Strategic Impact | Strait of Hormuz maritime traffic disruption; potential global oil market effects |
Maritime security experts warn that incidents of this nature could further destabilise the Persian Gulf region, heighten insurance costs, and disrupt global energy supplies. They also caution that any miscalculation could trigger a broader conflict in one of the world’s most geopolitically sensitive waterways.
