The ship was passing near the Omani coast at the time of the attack. The ship’s main hydraulic system failed, complicating firefighting efforts. Hearing the call, several nearby merchant ships immediately rushed to the scene to offer assistance to the crew.
Massive Fire in the Engine Room and Rescue
According to London Time, news of the attack was received via radio communication on Friday evening. Xinhua exclusively obtained the distress call sent by the sailor over an open channel. The recording shows the merchant ship’s crew bravely battling the fire and pleading for help.
The crew immediately activated the ship’s carbon dioxide firefighting system to control the fire in the engine room. They also attempted to control the fire through ballast operations. However, the failure of the main hydraulic system made extinguishing efforts more difficult.
The UKMTO received reports of the incident approximately 8 nautical miles northwest of Kumzar, Oman. Military officials also confirmed that a massive fire broke out in the ship’s engine room. However, it is not yet clear who attacked the commercial vessel.
Increasing Attacks and International Concern
Due to rising tensions in this waterway, there have been several attacks on merchant ships in the waters surrounding the Strait of Hormuz in recent days. Most of these incidents were reported near Oman’s shipping route. Earlier in July, a merchant ship caught fire off the coast of Oman.
Rising tensions between the US and Iran are impacting the movement of commercial ships through this strategic waterway. British maritime security officials have previously warned that the safety of ships is at risk due to the escalating military conflict, raising global concern.
Rising tensions between the US and Iran
The US military has advised ships to use routes along Oman’s coastline for safety. However, Iran has attacked ships passing through those routes, claiming that it should have sole navigation rights on this sea route.