An oil tanker named EL GAIA caught fire after striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The incident occurred as the vessel attempted to navigate through a route deemed off-limits by Iranian authorities. Despite efforts to manage the blaze, the fire continued to rage, as reported by Iranian officials.
The IRGC Navy highlighted that the tanker was using a restricted path south of this critical maritime passageway when the mishap took place. Officials have emphasized that warnings had been issued previously about the risks associated with traversing the prohibited route. They also reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is currently closed, with Iranian naval forces maintaining control over it.
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority has issued advisories to insurance companies, protection and indemnity insurers, and classification societies, cautioning them against offering services to vessels that violate the established restrictions on maritime traffic. This stance underscores the seriousness with which Iran is viewing adherence to its navigational directives.
The Strait of Hormuz is a pivotal global energy corridor, vital for the transport of a substantial portion of the world’s oil and gas supplies. Any restrictions on shipping through this channel raise alarms about potential disruptions in international energy markets. Concerns have been further heightened since Iran tightened its grip on strait passage following US-Israeli military actions against Iran on February 28. Concurrently, the US has enforced a naval blockade to monitor vessels moving to and from Iranian ports.