Tehran: A super tanker carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude oil reportedly caught fire after striking a sea mine in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement issued by the naval forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).
The IRGC Navy said the tanker was attempting to transit through a route it described as unauthorized when the incident occurred, resulting in an explosion and a fire aboard the vessel.
According to the statement, the tanker had switched off its positioning and radar systems while attempting to cross the strait.
The IRGC Navy also claimed that the vessel was operating with US military support.
The Iranian force said the tanker had attempted to transit without coordinating with Iranian maritime authorities.
However, the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the reported mine strike and the status of the vessel’s tracking systems, have not been independently verified.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major international shipping route for global oil supplies. An incident involving a large crude oil tanker in the area could raise concerns about maritime safety, regional security and potential environmental damage.
Further information about the vessel’s identity, the extent of the fire, possible casualties and the condition of its cargo was not immediately available.