MUSCAT : An oil tanker flying the Liberian flag caught fire after what Oman’s Maritime Security Centre described as an attack off the Sultanate’s coast, prompting the evacuation of all 23 crew members.

In a statement carried by Oman TV News, the Maritime Security Centre said the incident involved the tanker ‘Stolt Magnesium’, which was located about 40 nautical miles off the coast of South Al Sharqiyah Governorate and outside Omani territorial waters.

The centre said the vessel was subjected to an attack that led to a fire in the engine room.

Authorities said emergency measures were immediately initiated, including the provision of urgent assistance to the vessel. All 23 crew members were evacuated from the scene by a nearby maritime vessel.

The Maritime Security Centre said all crew members were reported to be in good health.

The centre added that it was continuing to monitor the situation and coordinate the necessary response measures.

No details were immediately provided on the nature of the attack or the extent of the damage to the vessel. An investigation into the incident is expected to continue.

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