Oil Tanker Catches Fire After Hitting Mine in Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN: An oil tanker caught fire after hitting a sea mine while attempting to pass through the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Iranian news agency Fars, citing the IRGC Navy, identified the affected tanker as Algaya.

Iranian authorities said efforts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful and the flames eventually spread across the tanker.

Tanker Entered Restricted Area

According to the IRGC, the tanker was attempting to pass through a restricted maritime area and had already been warned about the risks associated with using the route.

Iranian officials reiterated following the incident that the Strait of Hormuz remains under their surveillance and that vessels using designated routes are subject to security measures.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions around the strategic waterway, where disruptions to commercial shipping have already raised concerns over global energy supplies.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Energy Route

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes and a major corridor for oil and other energy shipments.

Any serious incident involving an oil tanker in the waterway could further disrupt maritime traffic and increase uncertainty in global energy markets.

A prolonged rise in shipping risks could also push up insurance and transportation costs and add pressure to crude prices.

Iranian Fishing Boats Also Hit

Separately, another incident was reported in the maritime area off southern Iran, where two Iranian fishing boats came under drone attacks.

Several fishermen were reportedly missing following the attacks.

The number of missing people and the circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been fully established.

The latest incidents come as maritime activity around the Strait of Hormuz remains highly tense, with commercial and fishing vessels facing increased risks amid the wider regional confrontation.