The facts
UKMTO Warning 197-26 records an incident at about 22:00 UTC on 5 November, approximately 16 nautical miles east of Khasab, Oman. [1]
UKMTO classified its time-late report as an attack and said the tanker’s master reported an explosion at the port-side waterline. [1][2]
The crew were reported safe and the vessel continued under its own power; authorities were investigating, Reuters reported via UKMTO. [1][2]
The opened warning and Reuters report did not identify an actor or establish the cause, full damage, or any pollution. [1][2]
Still unconfirmed
- The cause of the explosion and identity of any responsible actor were not established.
- The extent of damage beyond the reported waterline explosion, and whether there was any pollution, were unknown.
Sources
References support the numbered facts above. Source checks: 7 Nov 2026, 05:46 UTC.
The incident occurred on 5 November and was reported late. UKMTO calls the warning an attack, but no actor or cause is established; those unknowns are stated rather than inferred.
- UKMTO Warning 197-26: ATTACK
UK Maritime Trade Operations · Primary source · 6 Nov 2026
Opened the official warning PDF. It says the report was late, the master reported a port-side waterline explosion, crew were safe and the vessel continued under its own power.
- Tanker reports explosion near Oman while transiting Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO says
Reuters via Arab News Pakistan · Reporting · 6 Nov 2026
Opened Reuters report. It attributes the account to UKMTO and says the tanker was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.