US : Oil tanker catches fire off Oman coast, two sailors missing

 Oil tanker catches fire off Oman coast, two sailors missing

At least two sailors are missing after a fire broke out on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. Maritime safety watchdogs have also reported one casualty in the accident.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations Organisation (UKMTO) said the fire broke out in the engine room of a tanker about 37 kilometres (20 nautical miles) northeast of the Omani port of Sohar. Emergency rescue operations were launched immediately after the fire broke out.

However, the UKMTO did not immediately release any information on the cause of the fire. The organisation said one casualty was reported in the incident, although details of his identity or the nature of his injuries were not given.

Meanwhile, two crew members are reported to be missing after the fire. Search and rescue operations are underway to find them. The relevant authorities are investigating the condition of the ship and the exact cause of the accident.

The incident comes at a time when the security situation around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important waterways in the Middle East, is extremely fragile. Even after a ceasefire came into effect in April this year, US and Iranian forces have been accused of attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Thousands of commercial ships are stuck in this important waterway due to regional tensions. International maritime trade is also being severely disrupted due to reciprocal blockades imposed by both the US and Iran.

According to analysts, the Strait of Hormuz is very important for the global energy supply system. As a result, any accident, military tension or security crisis in the region can have a significant impact on the international oil market and global trade.

The recent fire incident off the coast of Oman has raised new security concerns. It is not possible to say for sure about the real cause of the accident until the investigation by the relevant authorities is complete. Source: Al Jazeera