OMM Newsroom
AnewZ reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said an oil tanker caught fire late Sunday after hitting a mine south of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, which cited a statement by the Corps’ Navy, the explosion occurred in the engine room as the vessel tried to leave the strategic waterway.
The statement alleged that the tanker had switched off its positioning and navigation systems from the start of its voyage and had attempted to use a southern route that Tehran considers unauthorized. The Corps’ Navy accused the vessel of violating maritime rules governing passage through the strait.
The agency warned that decisive action would be taken against vessels travelling in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf with their navigation and identification systems switched off.
Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense said the danger in Jizan had passed. The announcement came seven minutes after residents were warned of a possible threat.
The agency urged residents to follow Civil Defense instructions and avoid gatherings and filming. In an emergency, they were advised to call 998.
