Two sailors missing after tanker hit in Strait of Hormuz

The El Gaia sustained damage while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical shipping routes, with rescue operations underway to locate the missing sailors. The incident marked another security incident in waters through which millions of barrels of oil pass daily.

Iranian authorities stated the tanker caught fire after striking mines in the waterway, attributing the incident to navigational hazards in the region. The claim came as regional tensions remain elevated over maritime security in the Persian Gulf.

The United States military offered a different assessment, saying the vessel was struck by a missile followed by a drone attack. American officials have previously blamed Iran-aligned groups for attacks on commercial shipping in the area, though Iran denies involvement in such incidents.

Oman, which borders the Strait of Hormuz, reported the incident and confirmed the missing crew members. The differing accounts reflected ongoing disputes between Iran and Western nations over accountability for attacks affecting commercial shipping in one of the world's most strategically important sea lanes.