Oil tanker stormed by ‘masked men in military uniforms’ off Iranian coast as UK poised to launch strikes on Houthis
MASKED “unauthorised” men in military uniforms and masks have stormed an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman.
The situation is still unclear, but Iran was instantly suspected as the vessel was earlier involved in a dispute with the US Justice Department, resulting in the seizure of a million barrels of Iranian crude oil.
The incident took place in the early hours of Thursday some 50 miles off the coast of Oman, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.
The organisation provides warnings to sailors in the Middle East.
Initial reports described “armed unauthorised persons” in masks and military uniforms boarding the oil tanker.
UKTMO reported hearing “unknown voices over the phone” alongside the ship’s captain after getting a report from the ship’s security manager, Sky News reports.
It said it was unable to make further contact with the vessel and that the authorities were investigating the incident.
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