With reference to the El Gaia maritime incident, consider the following statements: 1. The vessel was attacked by Iranian forces off the coast of the Gulf of Aden. 2. Thirteen Indian crew members were rescued from the vessel. 3. The El Gaia is a Panama-flagged oil tanker. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

On Monday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) rejected Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claim

GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims· 15 September 2026

Maritime security and strategic chokepoints: a relevant GS2 International Relations and security case study.

Why in news

US Central Command (CENTCOM) refuted Iran's Revolutionary Guards' claim regarding the cause of damage to the Panama-flagged oil tanker El Gaia in the Strait of Hormuz.

Background

The El Gaia, a Panama-flagged oil tanker, was reportedly hit by Iranian missiles last month and an Iranian drone this weekend off Oman's coast. Thirteen Indian crew members were rescued from the vessel, while one sailor remains missing.

Facts for Prelims

FactThirteen Indian crew members were rescued from the El Gaia tanker.

Prelims practice question

With reference to the El Gaia maritime incident, consider the following statements:

The vessel was attacked by Iranian forces off the coast of the Gulf of Aden.
Thirteen Indian crew members were rescued from the vessel.
The El Gaia is a Panama-flagged oil tanker.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The note states the tanker was hit off Oman's coast.

For Mains

Q. Examine the implications of maritime insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz on global energy security and India's strategic interests in the Middle East.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Energy security: Disruption of oil transit routes affecting global crude price stability
Maritime safety: Risks to merchant shipping and international freedom of navigation
Geopolitical friction: Escalation of proxy tensions between Iran and Western-aligned powers

Keywords: Maritime security · Energy corridors · Strategic autonomy · Freedom of navigation · Geopolitical volatility

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: Times of India ↗Also: GS1 · Places in news / mapping

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