GeopoliticsMedium•6 November 2026•
1 min read
Tanker Velos Sapphire Struck by Explosion in Strait of Hormuz Near Oman
Key Facts
1The tanker Velos Sapphire reported an explosion at its port-side waterline 16 nautical miles east of Khasab, Oman.
2UKMTO confirmed the vessel is continuing its voyage under its own power and all crew members are safe.
The tanker Velos Sapphire reported an explosion at its port-side waterline 16 nautical miles east of Khasab, Oman. Kurdistan24 reported that the Greek-owned vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile while sailing empty toward Bahrain, resulting in a fire and an explosion at the waterline.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the vessel is continuing its voyage under its own power and all crew members are safe. This incident marks an escalation in maritime security risks within the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, contributing to a geopolitical risk premium in oil markets.