Tanker Hit off Oman as Iran Claims Mine Strikes
A tanker has been hit by two projectiles about 14 nautical miles north-east of Limah, on the coast of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, near the Strait of Hormuz. The attack happened at around 1900 UTC on 3 November, and the projectiles reportedly entered the ship’s engine room. UKMTO reported no casualties and no pollution.
Maritime security firm Vanguard identified the ship as the Barbados-flagged very large crude carrier Grit, a 298,555 dwt tanker built in 2003. It has been Chinese-owned since June 2026 and is described as part of the shadow fleet. The tanker was on Iran’s latest “non-compliant” list of ships, and its AIS had reportedly been switched off for more than a month. The number and nationalities of the crew have not been reported.
On 4 November, Iran’s IRGC Navy claimed that four unnamed tankers had hit mines on what it called a “prohibited” southern passage near Oman, with two still burning. It also said two other ships were turned back or detained. These claims have not been independently confirmed. Separately, Lloyd’s List Intelligence reported that the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Era S. was struck on 2 November while trying to transit the strait.
The attacks come days after an Indian seafarer was killed when the Indian dhow Al Jusufi was hit near Limah, the same area.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most dangerous waters for merchant crews. Seafarers on ships trading in the area should follow UKMTO and JMIC guidance closely, and their companies should keep emergency and evacuation plans ready. Under IBF agreements, crews also have rights in designated warlike operations areas.
