Oman Says 'El Gaia' Being Towed to Port; Two Crew Missing

Omani authorities said Tuesday that the Panama-flagged tanker El Gaia is being towed to port after a fire aboard the vessel was brought under control, while two crew members remain missing.

Oman’s Maritime Security Center said the tanker was about 103 nautical miles northeast of Musandam Governorate. A Royal Navy of Oman vessel evacuated 23 crew members and provided medical care. Search operations are continuing for two missing crew.

The update adds to conflicting accounts over what happened to the tanker. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said El Gaia struck a naval mine while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central