A fire broke out aboard the Panama-flagged tanker El Gaia following an impact to its engine room while transiting the Strait of Hormuz incident zone on Tuesday, leaving two crew members unaccounted for, according to the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP).
The vessel was navigating north of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula when the incident occurred on September 15. Of the 25 crew members on board, 23 were evacuated safely. Search operations continue for the two missing seafarers.
Iranian forces have distanced themselves from the attack, stating that the vessel was not attacked, but rather impacted marine mines while crossing an illegal route. However, several photographs indicate that the engine room was struck and damaged by a projectile, contradicting the version provided by Iran’s IRGC Navy.
Strait of Hormuz Incident Response and Coordination
The AMP confirmed it is coordinating with the ship’s operators, the designated local agent, and authorities from the Sultanate of Oman. The agency’s Directorate General of Merchant Marine maintains active communication channels as the situation develops.
As the flag state, Panama holds specific responsibilities for vessels registered under its registry. The AMP said it will continue monitoring the incident’s evolution while providing support to the crew and vessel operators in coordination with competent authorities.
Crew Evacuation and Search Operations Underway on the Strait of Hormuz
The engine room impact triggered a fire that prompted immediate evacuation procedures. Search and response efforts are being tracked by Panamanian maritime officials, who emphasized their ongoing role in supporting the affected crew members.
The tanker’s location in the Strait of Hormuz places the incident in one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime corridors. The waterway handles roughly 20 percent of global oil trade annually, making any vessel emergency there a matter of international concern.
Vessel Details and Flag State Responsibilities
El Gaia operates under Panama’s ship registry, one of the largest in the world by tonnage. The AMP’s involvement reflects the legal obligations flag states carry when incidents affect registered vessels in foreign waters.
No information has been released regarding the cause of the engine room impact or the current condition of the vessel. The AMP’s monitoring includes both the immediate response and broader implications for the ship’s operators and crew.
Search efforts for the two missing crew members remain active as Omani authorities lead the on-scene response. The AMP has not disclosed the nationalities of the affected seafarers or the tanker’s cargo status at the time of the incident.