Oman rescues 24 crew members after cargo ship hit by missiles near Strait of Hormuz

Oman’s navy on Wednesday rescued the 24-person crew of a cargo ship after it came under attack by two missiles near the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Oman News Agency, Anadolu reports.

The navy responded to a report that a Malta-flagged cargo ship had been struck by two missiles near the Strait of Hormuz, the news agency said.

The naval forces managed to rescue the ship’s 24 crew members and provide them with the necessary medical care, it added.

The agency confirmed that all crew members are in good health, with no party named as being behind the attack.

No further details were immediately available.

On Monday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to transit and warned that vessels attempting to cross would be attacked.

Around 20 million barrels of oil pass daily through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and its closure has increased shipping and insurance costs while pushing oil prices higher, raising concerns over global economic repercussions.

Israel and the US have continued a large-scale attack on Iran since Saturday, killing nearly 900 people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials.

According to the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, an Iranian government-linked body, the death toll has climbed to 1,045.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Gulf countries which are home to US assets.​​​​​​​