Third oil tanker fire near oman intensifies gulf crisis

Thursday 11 June 2026 - 10:30

By: Dakir Madiha

Third oil tanker fire near oman intensifies gulf crisis

An oil tanker carrying a multinational crew caught fire near the coast of oman on wednesday, adding a new escalation to a series of maritime incidents unfolding in one of the world’s most strategic shipping corridors. The vessel, identified as mt jalveer, was operating under the flag of guinea bissau and had 20 indian nationals among its crew.

The incident occurred near the port of shinas after a fire broke out in the engine room and funnel area. Maritime security monitoring groups recorded the vessel’s position northeast of sohar at mid-morning local time on 11 june. Regional maritime authorities confirmed receipt of distress signals and initiated coordination efforts to assess the situation and respond to the emergency.

Authorities in oman reported evacuation operations with assistance from local rescue teams. The condition of the crew was not immediately confirmed, although emergency coordination efforts were launched to secure the safety of all personnel on board. India’s diplomatic mission in muscat stated it was in contact with local authorities and tracking developments related to the vessel and its crew.

The cause of the fire remains unknown. Investigations are ongoing amid heightened tensions in the region following multiple maritime incidents near the strait of hormuz. The jalveer case follows two earlier tanker incidents involving indian crew members within the same week, raising concerns over maritime security in a corridor critical to global energy flows.

Officials have linked the broader situation to increased military and naval pressure in waters surrounding iran, where commercial shipping routes have faced disruption. The latest incident adds uncertainty for international operators navigating the gulf of oman, where commercial and strategic interests continue to converge under rising geopolitical strain.