Iranian Navy Claims El Gaya Oil Tanker Hit Naval Mine, Caught Fire in Restricted Waters

Tehran, September 15 (Daily Kiran) : The Iranian Navy, part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), announced that the oil tanker named ‘El Gaya’ was involved in a serious incident while navigating a restricted route in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel reportedly collided with naval mines, leading to an explosion and a subsequent fire.

According to a statement released by the IRGC’s official news outlet, Sepah News, efforts to extinguish the blaze were unsuccessful, and the entire ship became engulfed in flames. The IRGC emphasized that warnings had previously been issued regarding the dangers of using “illegal” routes in this strategic waterway, reiterating that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and is under Iranian naval control.

Earlier that day, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), which oversees maritime traffic in the region, cautioned insurance companies and ship classification organizations against servicing vessels listed as “rule violators” in their new guidelines. The PGSA urged these companies to avoid providing services to such ships, warning of potential consequences for non-compliance.

In a related incident earlier this month, the IRGC stated that its navy targeted an American unmanned surface vessel (USV) in the Strait of Hormuz. The USV, identified as a “Seadrone Explorer,” was reportedly on an “aggressive mission” when it was attacked near the strait’s entrance.

The IRGC claimed that the Seadrone Explorer had previously been operated by the U.S. Fifth Fleet and Task Force 59, both based in Bahrain. The organization also noted that the U.S. naval base in Bahrain has been targeted in prior Iranian attacks. Currently, these USVs are being utilized by a unit operating from Khasab in Oman.

The IRGC reiterated its stance on the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that it remains closed and under Iranian control, and warned that any “hostile presence” in the strategic waterway would be targeted.

Following attacks from the U.S. and Israel on Iran on February 28, Tehran tightened restrictions on maritime passage through this critical waterway. In response, U.S. forces have implemented a naval blockade aimed at vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports.