An oil tanker off the coast of Oman has boarded by individuals in military uniforms and masks. The identity of these armed individuals remains uncertain, but the incident has aroused suspicion, particularly towards Iran, given the vessel’s past involvement in a dispute involving Iranian crude oil.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKTMO), a body that issues navigation warnings in the Middle East, reported that the incident occurred 50 miles off Oman’s coast. The ship’s security manager heard unfamiliar voices over the phone, raising alarms about a potential security threat. Subsequent attempts to reestablish contact with the vessel were unsuccessful.
Private intelligence firm Ambrey identified the vessel as the St Nikolas, revealing that six military personnel had boarded the ship and covered surveillance cameras during the operation. The incident took place in a strategic maritime area between Oman and Iran, near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil trade.
The region has witnessed a series of ship seizures in recent years, especially since the deterioration of Iran’s nuclear deal, heightening tensions and security concerns in these waters. Neither Iran nor Oman has officially commented on the incident.
The St Nikolas, formerly known as the Suez Rajan, is associated with the Greek shipping company Empire Navigation. The tanker was in the limelight in February 2022 when it was suspected of carrying Iranian oil from Khargh Island. The ship had been stationary in the South China Sea near Singapore before heading unexpectedly to the Texas coast. It was involved in a case where it discharged its cargo to another tanker, leading to the release of its oil in Houston as part of a Justice Department order.
In September, Empire Navigation admitted to smuggling sanctioned Iranian crude oil and agreed to a $2.4 million (£1.9 million) fine related to the tanker.
This recent incident comes amid escalating tensions in the nearby Red Sea, where Yemen’s Houthi rebels have been disrupting shipping, further complicating the already volatile situation in the region.
