UK Maritime Trade Operations: Oil tanker struck about 6 nautical miles east of Oman

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that an oil tanker was struck approximately 60 nautical miles east of Oman’s capital, Muscat. The incident occurred on May 26, 2026, when the vessel, identified as the Olympic Life, experienced an external explosion on its port side, near the waterline. The UKMTO confirmed that the crew was unharmed, but the tanker reported a discharge of bunker fuel into the sea. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with no definitive explanation provided at this time.

The Olympic Life, a Greek-owned Very Large Crude Carrier, was en route out of the Gulf of Oman and was not carrying cargo at the time of the incident. Omani authorities are leading the response efforts, and UKMTO has advised maritime operators to exercise caution while transiting the area. The incident has raised concerns about maritime security in the region, particularly near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Environmental damage has not been reported so far.