---
title: "Oil tanker EL GAIA explodes after mine collision in Strait of Hormuz"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/oil-tanker-el-gaia-explodes-after-mine-collision-in-strait-of-hormuz"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/oil-tanker-el-gaia-explodes-after-mine-collision-in-strait-of-hormuz"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/conflict/oil-tanker-el-gaia-explodes-after-mine-collision-in-strait-of-hormuz.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/oil-tanker-el-gaia-explodes-after-mine-collision-in-strait-of-hormuz"
category: "Conflict & Security"
area: "Middle East"
published: "2026-09-14T20:25:27.717Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-14T20:01:52.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-14T21:30:28.588Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 57
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-14T21:30:22.699412+00:00"
---

# Oil tanker EL GAIA explodes after mine collision in Strait of Hormuz

*Iranian Revolutionary Guard claims tanker struck mines in a restricted zone.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to named body, but relies on anonymous sourcing and lacks specific dates/locations.
- Craft 57 of 100, higher is better. Reports include quotes from affected parties and mention what happens next, but lack clear separation of fact/comment.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines promise drama, but the body of the reports is factual, with mild sensationalism.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- An oil tanker exploded and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after colliding with mines, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported.
- The tanker, identified by some outlets as EL GAIA or Algaya, was attempting to cross a prohibited zone in the southern Strait of Hormuz.
- Thirteen crew members were rescued, and one person is still missing, according to the Indian embassy in Oman.
- The IRGC stated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and under their control.

An oil tanker exploded and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after colliding with mines, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported. The IRGC stated that the tanker was attempting to cross a prohibited or restricted zone in the southern part of the Strait. The IRGC also declared that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and under their control. The Indian embassy in Oman announced that 13 crew members were rescued and one person is still missing. Some reports identified the tanker as EL GAIA or Algaya.

## Disagreement on the number of mines

The Sunday Guardian Live reported that the IRGC said the supertanker hit two mines. No other reports specified the number of mines involved.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated reports covered this story. The centre and right-rated reports did not mention the Indian embassy's announcement that 13 crew members were rescued and one person is still missing.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 18 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 17% (3)
- Centre: 11% (2)
- Right: 72% (13)

39 of 57 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-14T21:30:22.699412+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 8 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-14T22:15:10.258Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated outlets reported that an oil tanker struck a mine in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps stated the vessel hit a mine and that the strait remained under their control. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the tanker was struck by an Iranian missile last month and a drone this past weekend.
- In.gr reported that CENTCOM stated the tanker was inoperable and not on fire, contradicting Iranian claims. This outlet also noted that CENTCOM accused Iran of making false claims and attempting to obstruct commercial shipping.
- The left-rated reports included CENTCOM's assertion that Iran had previously struck the tanker with a missile. In.gr also mentioned that the US president stated countries not aiding efforts in the region should compensate the US.

### Centre

- The centre-rated reports led with the explosion and fire on the oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz after colliding with mines, as reported by the IRGC. These reports stated the tanker was attempting to cross a prohibited zone in the southern Strait of Hormuz. Some identified the tanker as EL GAIA or Algaya. The IRGC's declaration that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and under their control was also noted.

### Right

- Right-rated reports focused on the IRGC's announcement of the supertanker explosion after hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz. These reports included the detail that the tanker was attempting to cross a prohibited zone in the southern part of the Strait. The Sunday Guardian Live reported the IRGC stated the supertanker hit two mines. The IRGC's claim that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and under their control was also mentioned.

**Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 2
- mixed: 5
- high: 11
- unknown: 39

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [El Diario](https://diario.mx/internacional/2026/sep/14/explota-petrolero-tras-chocar-con-minas-en-ormuz-1138257.html) — Oil Explosion After Colliding with Mines in Ormuz
- [Agi.it](https://agi.it/estero/news/2026-09-14/guerra-iran-aggiornamenti-hormuz-39061939) — Iran: Oil Tanker on Fire After the Mine Collision in Hormuz
- [in.gr](https://in.gr/2026/09/14/world/tanker-xtypise-narki-leei-to-iran-kai-kleinei-ta-stena-tou-ormouz-centcom-to-xtypisan-oi-iranoi) — Tanker Hits Mine, Iran Says, Closing Strait of Hormuz - CENTCOM: Iranians Hit It
- [NewsBomb](https://newsbomb.gr/kosmos/story/1763377/iran-ekriksi-se-tanker-epeita-apo-proskrouse-se-narkes-sta-stena-tou-ormoyz) — Iran: Tanker Explodes After Hitting Mines in Hormuz - CENTCOM Denies
- [Sueddeutsche Zeitung](https://sueddeutsche.de/politik/liveblog-nahost-usa-iran-oman-strasse-von-hormus-tanker-li.3530668) — News About Middle East: Oil Tankers Appear to Explode in the Strait of Hormus
- [notizie.it](https://notizie.it/petroliera-in-fiamme-nello-stretto-di-hormuz-dettagli-sullincidente) — Oil Tanker on Fire in the Strait of Hormuz: Details of the Accident
- [Kronen Zeitung](https://krone.at/4295438) — Oil Tanker Exploded in Street of Hormuz
- [El Periodista Online](https://elperiodista.cl/2026/09/iran-asegura-que-superpetrolero-el-gaia-choco-con-una-mina-al-intentar-cruzar-ormuz-sin-autorizacion) — Iran Claims that “El Gaia” Superoiler Crashed Into a Mine While Attempting to Cross Ormuz without Authorization
- [Akşam](https://aksam.com.tr/dunya/hurmuz-bogazinda-feci-olay-super-tanker-mayina-carpti/haber-1698373) — Tragic Incident in the Strait of Hormuz... Supertanker Strikes Mine.
- [Cumhuriyet](https://cumhuriyet.com.tr/dunya/hurmuz-bogazi-nda-mayina-carpan-petrol-tankerinde-yangin-cikti-2537582) — A Fire Broke Out on an Oil Tanker that Struck a Mine in the Strait of Hormuz.
- [vienna.at](https://vienna.at/tanker-in-strasse-von-hormuz-nach-minen-kollision-in-flammen/10466501) — Tanker in Road From Hormuz to Mine Collision in Flames
- [ekonomim.com](https://ekonomim.com/dunya/hurmuz-bogazinda-mayina-carpan-petrol-tankeri-yanmaya-basladi-haberi-918174) — An Oil Tanker that Struck a Mine in the Strait of Hormuz Caught Fire.
- [Welt](https://welt.de/politik/ausland/article6aa8544decebd74717d78e6c/krieg-in-nahost-iran-meldet-explosion-vonoeltanker-in-strasse-von-hormus-us-militaer-widerspricht.html) — War in the Middle East: Iran Reports Explosion of Oil Tankers in the Strait of Hormus – US Military Contradicts
- [anlatilaninotesi.com.tr](https://anlatilaninotesi.com.tr/20260914/devrim-muhafizlari-bir-tanker-hurmuz-bogazindan-gecmeye-calisirken-mayina-carpti-1108764281.html) — Revolutionary Guards: A Tanker Struck a Mine While Trying to Pass Through the Strait of Hormuz.
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/4549e9024cde6334) — IRGC says oil tanker hit mine, exploded in Hormuz
- [news-pravda.com](https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/09/14/2591646.html) — Supertanker explodes after hitting mines in restricted Hormuz route
- [Reforma](https://reforma.com/explota-petrolero-tras-chocar-con-minas-en-ormuz/ar3275891) — Oil Explosion After Colliding with Mines in Ormuz
- [Aydınlık](https://aydinlik.com.tr/haber/devrim-muhafizlarindan-aciklama-hurmuz-bogazinda-bir-petrol-tankeri-yandi-590177) — Revolutionary Guards Issue Statement! Oil Tanker Catches Fire in the Strait of Hormuz.
- [www.kleinezeitung.at](https://kleinezeitung.at/artikel/41263251/tanker-in-strasse-von-hormuz-nach-minen-kollision-in-flammen) — Tanker in Road From Hormuz to Mine Collision in Flames
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/3-sayfa/hurmuz-bogazi-nda-mayina-carpan-petrol-tankerinde-20237665-haberi) — A Fire Broke Out on an Oil Tanker that Struck a Mine in the Strait of Hormuz.
- [JDN - חדשות](https://jdn.co.il/news/2728426) — Drama in the Strait of Hormuz: A Giant Tanker Exploded After Being Hit by Naval Mines
- [DiarioBitcoin](https://diariobitcoin.com/mercados/buque-cisterna-explota-tras-presunto-choque-con-una-mina-en-el-estrecho-de-ormuz) — Tanker Explodes After Alleged Collision with a Mine in the Strait of Ormuz
- [Life.ru](https://life.ru/p/ksir-zayavil-o-podryve-tankera-el-gaia-na-minah-v-ormuzskom-prolive) — IRGC Reported the Bombing of the El Gaia Tanker on Mines in the Strait of Ormuz
- [Blick](https://blick.ch/ausland/auf-seeminen-gefahren-oeltanker-explodiert-in-strasse-von-hormus-id22256841.html) — Iran Conflict: Oil Tanker Explodes in the Strait of Hormus
- [L'Unione Sarda.it](https://unionesarda.it/news/mondo/una-petroliera-e-esplosa-dopo-collisione-con-una-mina-nello-stretto-di-hormuz-yrkc3q9o) — An Oil Tanker Exploded After Collision with a Mine in the Strait of Hormuz.
- [Kurier](https://kurier.at/politik/ausland/iran-minen-kollision-tanker-in-strasse-von-hormus-in-flammen/403190787) — Tanker in Road From Hormus to Mine Collision in Flames
- [Interfax.ru](https://interfax.ru/world/1116100) — IRGC Reported the Explosion of a Supertanker on Mines in the Strait of Ormuz
- [Apa](https://apa.az/asia/neft-tankeri-hormuz-bogazinda-deniz-minasina-toxunub-partlayis-bas-verib-996053) — Oil Tanker Hits Naval Mine in Strait of Hormuz, Explosion Occurs
- [NEWSru.co.il](https://newsru.co.il/mideast/14sep2026/el_gaia_0016.html) — Iran: the EL GAIA Supertank Exploded on a Mine in the Strait of Ormuz
- [연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency](https://yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260915005400079) — Revolutionary Guard: "Supertanker Collides with Mine in Hormuz... Engulfed in Flames"
- [Agenpress](https://agenpress.it/2026/09/14/petroliera-esplode-nello-stretto-di-hormuz-dopo-aver-urtato-delle-mine) — Oil Tanker Explodes in the Strait of Hormuz After Hitting Mines
- [inn.ir](https://inn.ir/news/article/167136/%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%B3%D9%88%D9%BE%D8%B1-%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AA%DA%A9%D8%B4-%C2%AB%D8%A7%D9%84%DA%AF%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%A7%C2%BB-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1%DB%8C%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C) — The Supertanker "Algaya" Exploded After Hitting a Naval Mine.
- [nachrichten.at](https://nachrichten.at/politik/aussenpolitik/tanker-in-der-strasse-von-hormus-nach-minen-kollision-in-flammen;art391,4211889) — Tanker in the Road From Hormus to Mine Collision in Flames
- [Unknown](https://alquds.co.uk/%D9%88%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A9-%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B7-%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D8%B5%D8%B7%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%87%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D8%A3) — Agency: Oil Tanker Explosion After Impacting Mines in the Strait of Hormuz
- [The Sunday Guardian Live](https://sundayguardianlive.com/world/us-israel-iran-war-latest-live-news-irgc-says-supertanker-hit-2-mines-in-strait-of-hormuz-warns-compliance-with-regulations-is-mandatory-as-saudi-arabia-lifts-emergency-alert-in-najran-284790) — US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live News: IRGC Says Supertanker Hit 2 Mines in Strait of Hormuz, Warns ‘Compliance With Regulations Is Mandatory’ as Saudi Arabia Lifts Emergency Alert in Najran
- [italpress.com](https://italpress.com/iran-petroliera-in-fiamme-dopo-urto-con-una-mina-a-hormuz) — Iran, Oil Tanker on Fire After a Mine Strike in Hormuz
- [IMLebanon](https://imlebanon.org/2026/09/14/iranarmy54243) — The Revolutionary Guard: The Strait of Hormuz Is Closed and Under Our Control!
- [BITRSS](https://bitrss.com/%E4%BC%8A%E6%9C%97%E9%9D%A9%E5%91%BD%E5%8D%AB%E9%98%9F%E7%A7%B0%E9%9C%8D%E5%B0%94%E6%9C%A8%E5%85%B9%E6%B5%B7%E5%B3%A1%E5%A4%84%E4%BA%8E%E6%99%BA%E8%83%BD%E6%8E%A7%E5%88%B6%E7%8A%B6%E6%80%81-251194) — The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Stated that the Strait of Hormuz Is Under Smart Control.
- [Iefimerida](https://iefimerida.gr/kosmos/iran-ekrixi-tanker-proskroysi-narkes-stena-ormoyz) — Iran: Information About an Explosion on a Tanker After Hitting Mines in the Strait of Hormuz - iefimerida.gr
- [kikar.co.il](https://kikar.co.il/world-news/tldby5) — Iran Makes Dramatic Announcement: "Oil Tanker Exploded on Mines in the Strait of Hormuz"
- [Mehr News Agency](https://mehrnews.com/news/6947297/%D8%B3%D9%88%D9%BE%D8%B1-%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AA%DA%A9%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%DA%AF%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%A7-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1%DB%8C%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D9%85%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D8%AF) — Supertanker "Algaya" Exploded After Hitting a Naval Mine
- [vz.ru](https://vz.ru/news/2026/9/14/1451372.html) — Super Tanker El Gaia Exploded on Mines in the Strait of Ormuz
- [Beirut 24](https://beirut24.org/2026/09/14/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%B1%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AB%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A9-%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B7-%D8%AC%D9%86%D9%88%D8%A8-%D9%87%D8%B1%D9%85) — Revolutionary Guards: an Oil Tanker Explosion South of Hormuz
- [ANSA](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/09/14/media-iran-petroliera-esplosa-dopo-la-collisione-con-una-mina_a7bda44a-40ae-43a8-91c9-b5118a154010.html) — Average Iran, Oil Tanker Exploded After Collision with a Mine
- [Cryptocurrency News | Cryptocurrency Prices | Market Cap](https://cryptocurrency.com.tr/oil-tanker-explodes-after-mine-collision-in-strait-of-hormuz-irans-fars-377439) — Oil tanker explodes after mine collision in Strait of Hormuz: Iran’s Fars
- [Crypto Briefing](https://cryptobriefing.com/oil-tanker-explodes-after-mine-collision-in-strait-of-hormuz-irans-fars) — Oil tanker explodes after mine collision in Strait of Hormuz: Iran's Fars
- [ORF.at News](https://orf.at/stories/3442186) — Report: Oil Tanker Explodes in Strait of Hormus
- [1prime.ru](https://1prime.ru/20260914/tanker-873293090.html) — Tanker Exploded in Mines While Trying to Cross the Strait of Ormuz
- [Devdiscourse](https://devdiscourse.com/article/business/3977146-catastrophe-at-sea-oil-tanker-erupts-in-flames-in-strait-of-hormuz) — Catastrophe at Sea: Oil Tanker Erupts in Flames in Strait of Hormuz
- [tabnak.ir](https://tabnak.ir/fa/news/1394409/%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%B3%D9%88%D9%BE%D8%B1-%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AA%DA%A9%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%DA%AF%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%86-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1%DB%8C%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C) — Supertanker "Algaya" Hits Sea Mines
- [Egyptian Gazette](https://egyptian-gazette.com/world/oil-tanker-exploded-after-colliding-with-mines-in-hormuz) — Oil tanker explodes after hitting mine in Hormuz
- [Capital.gr](https://capital.gr/diethni/4016826/ekrixi-se-dexamenoploio-meta-apo-proskrousi-se-narkes-sto-steno-tou-ormouz-fars) — Tanker Explodes After Hitting Mines in Strait of Hormuz
- [cedarnews.net](https://cedarnews.net/alert/983893/%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%ad%d8%b1%d8%b3-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%ab%d9%88%d8%b1%d9%8a-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a5%d9%8a%d8%b1%d8%a7%d9%86%d9%8a-%d8%ad%d8%b1%d9%8a%d9%82-%d9%86%d8%a7%d9%82%d9%84%d8%a9-%d9%86%d9%81%d8%b7-%d8%a7) — Iran's Revolutionary Guard: Oil Tanker Catches Fire After Hitting Sea Mines Near the Strait of Hormuz
- [defapress.ir](https://defapress.ir/fa/news/862322/%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%B3%D9%88%D9%BE%D8%B1-%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AA%DA%A9%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%DA%AF%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%86-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1%DB%8C%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C) — Supertanker "Algaya" Hits Sea Mines
- [Jerusalem Post](https://jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-908589) — Oil tanker exploded after colliding with mines in Hormuz, Iran's Fars reports
- [The Free Press (Tampa)](https://tampafp.com/u-s-military-rejects-iranian-mine-claim-says-stricken-tanker-was-hit-by-drone-off-oman) — U.S. Military Rejects Iranian Mine Claim, Says Stricken Tanker Was Hit By Drone Off Oman
- [NewsNation](https://newsnationnow.com/world/us-iran-war-saudi-arabia-strait-of-hormuz-oil-houthis) — Tanker on fire, Iranian media claims

## Questions

**What happened to the oil tanker?**

An oil tanker exploded and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after colliding with mines, according to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The tanker was reportedly attempting to cross a prohibited zone.

**What is the status of the Strait of Hormuz?**

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and under their control. They also warned against crossing the southern corridor.

**Were there any casualties?**

According to the Indian embassy in Oman, 13 crew members were rescued. One person is still reported as missing.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/conflict/oil-tanker-el-gaia-explodes-after-mine-collision-in-strait-of-hormuz. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Oil tanker EL GAIA explodes after mine collision in Strait of Hormuz", https://mediabias.news/conflict/oil-tanker-el-gaia-explodes-after-mine-collision-in-strait-of-hormuz