Oil Tanker Boarded by Unidentified Armed Personnel off the Coast of Oman

A Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker, formerly known as Suez Rajan and now identified as St Nikolas, was boarded by armed individuals wearing military uniforms and black masks on Thursday.

The incident occurred 50 miles off the coast of Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKTMO), which issued warnings to sailors in the region.

The vessel, once embroiled in a dispute with the U.S. Justice Department over the transport of sanctioned Iranian crude oil, had its million barrels seized in a previous incident. The UKTMO reported that the ship's security manager heard "unknown voices over the phone" alongside the ship's captain, prompting suspicions of unauthorized boarding.

“UKMTO has received a report of vessel being boarded by 4-5 armed unauthorized persons in an area 50NM East of Sohar, Oman. Unauthorized boarders are reported to be wearing military style black uniforms with black masks. CSO reports vessel has altered course towards Iranian territorial waters and communications with the vessel have been lost,” UKMTO reported.

Private intelligence firm Ambrey revealed that "six military men" boarded the tanker, covering surveillance cameras as they did so.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil trade, has been a hotspot for tensions, witnessing several ship seizures by Iran in recent years following the collapse of the nuclear deal. The latest incident raises concerns about potential involvement by Iran, though the country has not immediately acknowledged the boarding.

The St Nikolas, previously associated with the Greek shipping company Empire Navigation, had faced scrutiny in February 2022 for suspected oil transportation from Iran's Khargh Island. After months in the South China Sea, the vessel sailed to the Texas coast before discharging its cargo as part of a Justice Department order in August. In September, Empire Navigation pleaded guilty to smuggling sanctioned Iranian crude oil, agreeing to pay a $2.4 million fine.

The development adds to the already heightened tensions in the region, particularly in the Red Sea, where Houthi rebels based in Yemen have been disrupting shipping. Recent incidents included the interception of 21 drones and missiles by U.S. and British warships countering Houthi attacks.

As global leaders respond to the escalating situation, the UN Security Council, supported by 11 members, issued a resolution demanding an end to Houthi attacks on ships and the release of the Japanese-operated Galaxy Leader, seized in November.

Greece has announced the dispatch of a Hydra Class Frigate (F-452) to the Red Sea in an effort to deter Houthi attacks on international maritime trade.