The Malta-flagged Panamax tanker Kavomaleas, managed by Greece-based Dynacom Tankers, was abandoned after being struck by two projectiles off Oman near the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident occurred about 8 nautical miles northwest of Kumzar along the southern shipping route close to Oman’s coastline.
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations initially reported that a vessel was on fire after receiving information from military authorities. UKMTO later classified the incident as an attack after the company security officer confirmed that an unknown projectile had struck the tanker.
Dynacom Tankers said two projectiles hit Kavomaleas, causing a fire in the engine room. The crew activated the vessel’s onboard fire-suppression system before the master decided to evacuate the ship.
All crew members safely abandoned Kavomaleas and were recovered by a tugboat. Omani authorities subsequently transferred them ashore.
The tanker remained adrift with the fire still active following the evacuation. UKMTO said no environmental impact had been reported.
The agency advised vessels operating in the area to exercise caution and report suspicious activity while authorities investigate the attack.
The incident occurred as security conditions around the Strait of Hormuz continued to worsen amid renewed fighting between the United States and Iran.
U.S. Central Command reported conducting strikes against Iranian military targets, including coastal surveillance facilities, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, communications networks and command centres.
CENTCOM said the operations were intended to reduce Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
