Oman warns vessels to navigate cautiously after a suspected mine was spotted in the Strait of Hormuz, urging immediate reporting of suspicious objects.
Shipping has been warned to navigate with extreme caution after a suspected mine was sighted in Omani waters in the Strait of Hormuz, reports the UK's Seatrade Maritime News.
The Maritime Security Centre stated that a floating object believed to be a mine was seen west of the Inshore Traffic Zone. It urged seafarers, fishermen, and vessels to maintain a safe distance from suspicious objects and report them immediately to the authorities.
A NAVAREA IX warning provided the position as 26°4.3'N 056°0.6'E. Some ships have been transiting close to the Omani coast to avoid Iranian interference and attacks. Iran has previously warned of mines in the traffic separation scheme but claimed not to know their location.
US Central Command reported that it struck two Iranian boats attempting to lay mines in the Strait. The Joint Maritime Information Center later warned that Iran continues its efforts to impose illegal control of the waterway, including mining that endangers ships and mariners.
US Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping advised vessels to avoid the traffic separation scheme and coordinate transit with its forces. NAVCENT stated that US units remain on high alert for Iranian attacks and attempts to impede mine clearance operations.
