Muscat, Oman— An oil tanker caught fire and exploded in the southern Strait of Hormuz on the morning of October 20 after striking a naval mine, sending a column of black smoke over one of the world's busiest oil shipping lanes.
The vessel, the Liberia-flagged Al Shaheen, a 110,000-ton Aframax carrying crude from Basra to Fujairah, was transiting the internationally recognized traffic separation scheme at 6:30 a.m. local time when the blast tore through its bow. The crew of 24 issued a mayday. Within minutes, flames engulfed the forward deck. The ship lost power and began drifting toward Omani waters.
Middle East Eye reported the mine was laid by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, citing two regional security officials familiar with initial assessments. The mine strike matches a pattern of deniable, low-profile devices deployed near the edge of Iranian territorial waters in recent weeks as tensions over inspections have risen.
The crew abandoned ship into lifeboats. An Omani Navy patrol vessel and a U.S. Fifth Fleet destroyer, USS McFaul, responded to the distress call. All 24 crew members — 18 Indians, 4 Filipinos, and 2 Greeks — were recovered alive. Three suffered burns and smoke inhalation and were airlifted to Sohar Hospital.
The tanker is still burning. Satellite images show oil slicking from the ruptured hull, but the main cargo tanks appear intact. The Omani Maritime Security Center said it has deployed tugs with fire monitors and booms to contain the blaze and prevent a major spill. Shipping traffic has been rerouted eastward, adding 90 minutes to transits.
A U.S. Naval Forces Central Command spokesman said, "We observed a mine-like object on sonar near the blast site. We are sharing data with partners. Freedom of navigation remains our priority." Iran has not commented. The IRGC has previously denied involvement in similar incidents, blaming rogue actors or old ordnance.
Insurance rates for Gulf transits spiked within hours. War risk premiums for Strait of Hormuz passages rose 40 percent by midday in London. Oil prices jumped 3.2 percent on Brent.
The incident marks the third mine-related explosion in the Strait since September. Previous strikes damaged two bulk carriers with no casualties. Analysts say the use of small, shallow-water mines allows deniability while pressuring shipping.
The tanker remains adrift, burning. The firefighting operation continues into the night.
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