Iran Claims Three Tankers Hit Mines in Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has claimed that three oil tankers exploded and caught fire after hitting naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz in the 24 hours up to 29 October. The strait is the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman’s Musandam Peninsula that links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Iranian state media said the ships were using an unauthorised southern route near the Omani side.
The IRGC said the tankers had switched off their radar and navigation systems, were left abandoned along the southern shore and caused pollution. None of the ships has been named, and the claims have not been independently confirmed.
Separately, UKMTO warning 186-26 said a tanker completing an outbound transit near the coast of Oman was struck by an unknown projectile at about 1600 UTC on 29 October. No injuries or pollution were reported, and no attacker was named. This came after a vessel fire was reported about nine nautical miles north of Khasab, on the Musandam Peninsula.
The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) has said the US is enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports. Neutral ships may be boarded and searched, should keep a listening watch on VHF Channel 16 and must carry signed or stamped clearance documents. IMO figures up to 27 October show 121 confirmed incidents in the region and 24 seafarer deaths.
Crews on ships trading through Hormuz now face the added danger of mines, on top of drones and projectiles. Seafarers on these routes need full threat briefings from their companies, prompt reporting to UKMTO and a clear understanding of their rights in the IBF warlike operations area.
