Iran: The navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Saturday that a second “violating” supertanker had exploded in the Strait of Hormuz after hitting a naval mine, hours after a similar incident involving another tanker.
In a statement published on the IRGC’s official news outlet, Sepah News, the navy said the explosion occurred on Saturday morning, causing a “huge” fire aboard the vessel, which was carrying more than 2 million barrels of crude oil.
The IRGC said the oil tanker had switched off its GPS and radar systems and was attempting to cross the waterway via an “illegal” route. It added that the explosion occurred in the vessel’s engine room, bringing it to a halt.
Earlier in the day, the IRGC Navy said another “violating” supertanker attempting to transit the strait through an “unauthorised” route had suffered a “huge” explosion after hitting a naval mine.
Iran has tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz since 28 February, barring safe passage for vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following their joint strikes on Iranian territory.
Also on Saturday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued two statements reporting attacks on two tankers in waters near Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
According to the UKMTO, one vessel was hit by an unidentified projectile, while the other was attacked by a rocket.
The crew members of both vessels were accounted for and reported safe, the UKMTO said.