Muscat: Oman announced that an oil tanker was targeted northwest of the Sultan Qaboos Port, leading to the evacuation of its crew after a fire erupted on board.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker MKD VYOM was attacked by a remotely operated boat approximately 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat Governorate. The Maritime Security Center stated on US social media platform X that the tanker was carrying roughly 59,463 metric tons of cargo. The attack resulted in a fire and an explosion in the main engine room, tragically killing one crew member, an Indian national.

A statement from the Indian Embassy in Oman expressed condolences for the death of the Indian national on board MKD Vyom. The Maritime Security Center noted that the embassy is working closely with local authorities in Oman to ensure the safe and prompt repatriation of the nationals aboard the vessel.

In collaboration with the center, the tanker's crew, comprising 21 individuals, including 16 Indians, 4 Bangladeshis, and one Ukrainian, was evacuated by the commercial vessel MV SAND, which is registered under the flag of Panama. Meanwhile, a ship from Oman's Royal Navy is assessing the damage to the tanker and issuing safety warnings to other vessels in the vicinity.

This incident coincides with broader regional tensions, as the US and Israel initiated a large-scale attack on Iran on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of several top Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Tehran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries housing US assets.