Tanker Navig8 Messi Catches Fire Off Oman Coast

The Singapore-flagged tanker Navig8 Messi caught fire off the coast of Oman, with videos verified by Reuters and a Sentinel-2 satellite image from the Copernicus program showing thick black smoke rising from the vessel's location. Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, citing the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that three tankers using what it called "unauthorized routes" were hit in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. Navig8 Messi is operated by Navig8, which is majority-owned by ADNOC Logistics & Services; neither company responded to requests for comment. The IRGC Navy separately said two tankers caught fire after striking sea mines along an unauthorized route in the strait. The UK Maritime Trade Operations also reported a tanker was struck northeast of the Omani settlement of Lima on Tuesday, without identifying the party responsible. Oil has been entering the sea as a result of damage to the tankers, with a verified video showing oil reaching Oman's coastline and satellite imagery recording slicks off the coasts of both Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry said an attempt was made to attack a Saudi Aramco building in Riyadh, causing limited damage from debris with no deaths or injuries. According to the International Maritime Organization, 130 incidents have been confirmed in the region since the conflict began in late February, most of them attacks, with at least 25 seafarers killed.