A Palau-flagged oil tanker named Skylight was struck near the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, injuring crew members and prompting a full evacuation, authorities said on Sunday. This rare maritime incident comes amid the widening conflict in the Middle East after joint United States–Israel airstrikes on Iran and Iran’s ensuing retaliatory campaign across the Gulf region.
Tanker Skyligh Attacked: What Happened in the Strait Of Hormuz?
Oman’s Maritime Security Centre confirmed that the oil tanker Skylight, flying the flag of Palau, was targeted about **five nautical miles north of Khasab Port in the Musandam Governorate.
“All 20 crew members, including 15 Indian nationals and five Iranian nationals, were evacuated,” the centre said in a statement on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
🚨 Omani oil tanker has been targeted 5 miles Khasab Port in Musandam Governorate by Iranian drones presumably or anti ship missiles. #Iran #Oman #IranWar pic.twitter.com/g8ZYez2QiG
— Daksh Sharma (@daksh_sharma_28) March 1, 2026
Preliminary reports indicate that four crew members were injured with varying severity and were rushed to medical facilities for treatment.
At this stage, authorities have not confirmed who was responsible for the attack on the vessel.
Why Was the Skylight Targeted? Context of Middle East Escalation
The strike on Skylight unfolded amid a dramatic escalation in the region. After joint US and Israeli airstrikes hit Iranian targets, reportedly killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top commanders, Iran launched a wave of missile and drone attacks across the Gulf, including in countries hosting US forces.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stated that the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed to international navigation and warned vessels to stay away. This declaration has had a chilling effect on maritime traffic through one of the world’s most strategic oil chokepoints.
Oil Tanker Attacked: Who Was On Board and what happened next?
The Skylight’s entire crew of 20 was evacuated safely. The majority, 15, were Indians, while the remaining five were Iranian nationals. Authorities say the injured have been moved to medical facilities in Muscat for care.
The evacuation drew quick response from Oman’s Royal Navy and maritime safety teams, underscoring the serious risks to commercial shipping amid intensifying hostilities.
Strait Of Hormuz Closer: How This Affects Global Shipping and Oil Trade?
The Strait of Hormuz accounts for about one-fifth of the world’s oil flow. Disruptions there could have wide economic consequences, affecting global energy markets, shipping routes, and insurance costs for vessels transiting the region.
Already, major oil traders and shipping firms have suspended or rerouted traffic through the strait as Iran warns vessels to avoid the area, raising concerns about delays, higher premiums, and longer transit times.
If tensions persist, supply chains for crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) could tighten further, potentially pushing fuel prices higher and reshaping global energy dynamics.
Oil Tanker Attacked in Strait Of Hormuz: Precautions for Maritime Operators
Shipping companies are now reassessing the risks of Gulf transit. Some insurers have withdrawn coverage for voyages in the region, leaving owners to either pay high premiums or avoid crossing altogether. Ship tracking data show that many vessels are holding outside the strait or reversing course mid-transit.
Authorities have advised all commercial ships to steer clear of the area until the security situation improves.
With most of the Skylight crew being Indian nationals, the incident has drawn attention from New Delhi and raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers in volatile international waters. While there has been no official statement yet from the Indian government, families and shipping companies are anxiously awaiting further details and assurances.
