The Panama-flagged oil tanker El Gaia was struck by an Iranian missile in late August 2026, rendered inoperable, then hit again by an Iranian drone over the weekend of September 13–14. Two sailors went missing; Iran claims the vessel caught fire after striking mines, while CENTCOM attributed the damage to deliberate Iranian attacks, and the ship was being towed to an Omani port by September 15.
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CENTCOM: The Panama-flagged oil tanker El Gaia was struck by an Iranian missile last month and rendered inoperable. This weekend, Iran struck the tanker again with a drone while the ship sat in waters of the coast of Oman. The tanker is currently being towed by a regional partner. The IRGC's false claim is yet another example of their lies and intimidation attempts while they try to impede commerc
Oil tanker El Gaia being towed into Omani port after being hit near Hormuz. CENTCOM said yesterday Iran hit it with a missile last month then a drone this weekend. Iran says it struck naval mines in a restricted zone. Oman and India confirming an attack and fire; one Indian crew member still missing. The tanker had its AIS off for days before the incident.
Iran says El Gaia caught fire after hitting mines, but the US says the oil tanker was struck by a missile and then a drone.