The U.S. Navy’s Bahrain-based 5th Fleet is assisting 2 oil tankers it says were targeted in a reported attack on vessels in the Gulf of Oman, AP reported Thursday.
Details: Oil prices jumped 3% on reports that crews evacuated from the Front Altair and the Kokuka Courageous tankers after they sustained significant fire damage in a tanker explosion, according to CNBC, citing multiple shipping agents and chartering sources. AP and Reuters also reported there had been an explosion on at least 1 of the vessels.
What we know: The 5th Fleet said in a statement on its website it received 2 separate distress calls at 6:12 a.m. 7:00 a.m Bahrain time. The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations, operated by the British Navy, issued an alert earlier Thursday saying it was assisting with an unspecified incident in the region.
