The Iranian news outlet Shana published the first images of the damaged tanker Sabiti, which was hit by missiles in the Red Sea, last week, off Saudi Arabia’s coast and suffered two hull breaches.
Specifically, the managing director of the Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran, Mohammad Rastad stated that
No regional maritime administration responded to calls for assistance by MT Sabiti, and PMO considers that in contrast and violation of international customary requirements, as well as humanitarian principles.
Mr Rastad further added that the tanker vessel was undoubtedly hit by missiles, as it has been widely reported, claiming that the tanker had 140,000 tonnes of oil onboard and the hit resulted to the oil spill in the Red Sea. The attacks in May and June in the area mark the increasing tension, which was stable up to now, as the Royal Navy had informed.
The European Union Earth Observation Programme published a satellite image, showing the oil leak that came from the vessel. Yet, according to reports, after being the hit, the vessel didn’t hold its position to wait for assistance, it rather continued its voyage heading south-southeast at 10 knots with oil in her wake.
Rastad reports that Sabiti is due to arrive in the port of Bandar Abbas within nine days.
Concluding, Iran is still investigating the incident, as Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabeiei, speaking to PressTV commented that ‘An appropriate response will be given to the designers of this cowardly attack, but we will wait until all aspects are clarified.’
@Khaaasteh
