Oman rescues 25 crew from burning tanker in Strait of Hormuz

The Omani Coast Guard responded to an emergency call and rescued all 25 crew members from the stricken tanker, according to regional maritime authorities. The vessel caught fire while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical shipping lanes, through which roughly one-third of global seaborne oil passes daily.

Details surrounding the cause of the fire and the current condition of the tanker remain unclear. The rescued crew members were brought to safety, with no immediate reports of casualties.

The incident occurs amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf waterway. Iranian authorities announced on the same day that they had halted three oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz via what Tehran characterized as unauthorized routes. Iran did not immediately provide details about the vessels or their nationalities.

The Strait of Hormuz has been the site of repeated incidents and diplomatic confrontations in recent years, with maritime security concerns prompting increased military and coast guard operations by regional and international powers. Shipping companies maintain heightened vigilance when operating in the narrow passage separating Oman and Iran.