Oman’s air force has evacuated 10 crew members of a Panamanian-flagged oil tanker following an attack in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. The vessel, identified as the On Peace, was struck approximately 9 nautical miles (about 17km) off the Omani port city of Limah on Tuesday, resulting in a fire onboard.

The injured crew members were transported to Khasab hospital in the Musandam governorate and received medical treatment, according to a statement from the Omani Ministry of Defence. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred amidst heightened tensions and deteriorating security in the Strait of Hormuz, a region significantly impacted by the ongoing United States and Israel’s war on Iran.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 17 of the ship's 19 crew members were Indian nationals, and 11 of the 12 injured were also Indian citizens. The ministry expressed deep concern over the "continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region" and reiterated calls for an immediate cessation of such hostilities to ensure regional peace and stability.

The incident raises further concerns about the safety of maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil supplies. The attacks underscore the volatile security situation, with potential implications for international shipping routes and energy markets, especially given the increased oil prices.

India, a major contributor to the global maritime workforce, has been particularly affected by these incidents. The Indian government previously stated that at least 10 Indian seafarers had been killed since the conflict began in late February. Another attack in September also resulted in the death of an Indian sailor.

The Strait of Hormuz has seen increased activity and disruption since Iran effectively closed the waterway after the US-Israel war commenced on February 28. Iran has reportedly targeted commercial vessels not adhering to designated routes and has suggested charging ships for passage.

Recent data from Marisks, a shipping intelligence service, indicates at least seven other incidents involving tankers have been reported in the past week alone. Despite these disruptions, oil exports from the Middle East have shown resilience, reaching pre-war levels in recent weeks, according to provisional data from Kpler.

However, oil prices remain elevated. Brent crude futures saw a significant rise, trading at $101.51 a barrel on Tuesday, a stark contrast to the $72.48 price recorded before the war began. The continued attacks, combined with high prices, present a complex challenge for global energy security and international relations.