Oil Tanker Damaged in Explosion off the Coast of Oman

A tanker has been damaged in an explosion off the coast of Oman, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

“The crew and the vessel are safe, although the captain reports that some bunker fuel has leaked into the sea,” the UKMTO said.

The incident in the Gulf of Oman, approximately 60 nautical miles east of Muscat, is reported to have been an “external explosion.”

Iran has laid mines in nearby waters to block the Strait of Hormuz. Control over shipping in the strait is one of the major sticking points as the U.S. attempts to secure a peace agreement in negotiations with Iran.