Tanker MT El Gaia struck by projectile near Strait of Hormuz, crew safe

Panama-flagged oil tanker MT El Gaia was hit by a projectile off Oman in the Strait of Hormuz while operating with AIS off, carrying 25 crew (14 Indian, 11 Pakistani). No group has claimed responsibility; the attack follows a pattern of maritime incidents in the area, but the use of a projectile on a dark-mode vessel suggests possible targeting sophistication. The incident raises risks to shipping in a critical chokepoint, though crew safety and operational impact remain unconfirmed.