USA Helicopter Assault Team Boards Massive Oil Tanker In Gulf Of Oman

Gulf of Oman – Dramatic footage shows U.S. Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducting a verification boarding aboard the M/T Wen Yao on July 16, 2026. The video captures Marines preparing equipment, coiled ropes, and rifles before a gray Marine Corps helicopter lifts off from a ship over open water. A large black-hulled tanker with a green deck and white superstructure is seen nearby, with a U.S. warship visible in the distance. Armed Marines descend from the helicopter onto the tanker’s deck, move across pipes and equipment, and secure positions near orange-clad crew members as the boarding team establishes control. The operation was carried out as part of the renewed U.S. naval blockade against vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports. U.S. forces reported redirecting three commercial vessels attempting to evade restrictions, disabling one vessel that did not comply, and boarding one vessel to confirm adherence during the latest 24-hour period. The Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters remain open to legitimate traffic while U.S. forces continue operations against vessels attempting to violate the blockade.