A Briton geologist who has been accused of smuggling artefacts has been sentenced by an Iraqi court. He will spend 15 years in an Iraqi prison.

Geologist accused of smuggling artefacts sentenced by an Iraqi court

In pics - Ruins of hidden 3,400-year-old city found after severe drought in Iraq

An Iraqi court on Monday sentenced a British retired geologist to 15 years in prison for trying to smuggle antiquities out of the country but released a German co-accused, who was found not to have criminal intent in the case.

The maximum penalty for the offence is death by hanging but the court decided on a lesser sentence for James Fitton, 66, "because of the advanced age of the accused," the judge said. Fitton's lawyer said that he would appeal. &nbsp;

The court found "insufficient evidence" to convict co-accused Volker Waldmann, 60, who was visiting Iraq with Fitton on an organised tour when they were arrested in March at Baghdad airport.&nbsp;

War-ravaged Iraq's tourism infrastructure is almost non-existent but the country is timidly opening to visitors. Iraq has also been trying to recover antiquities that were looted over a period of decades from the country whose civilisation dates back thousands of years.

When the judge asked the men whether they were guilty or not guilty "of trafficking antiquities," each replied: "Not guilty."

They appeared in court dressed in yellow prisoners' clothing, but not handcuffed, said an AFP journalist at the hearing. They were charged under a 2002 law against "intentionally taking or trying to take out of Iraq an antiquity".

According to statements from customs officers and witnesses, Fitton's baggage contained about a dozen stone fragments, pieces of pottery or ceramics. Waldmann, a Berlin psychologist, allegedly had two pieces but at the trial's opening on May 15 denied they were his.

When the judge asked Fitton why he tried to take the artefacts out of Iraq, he cited his "hobby" and said he did not mean to do anything illegal. "I didn't realise that taking them was against the law," Fitton said, adding that some of the ancient sites were open and unguarded.

In his verdict, the judge found that Fitton was "aware" that the location from where he collected the fragments was "an archaeological site" and that it was illegal to take them. The judge concluded there was criminal intent.

Defence lawyer Thaer Massoud denied this, and called the judgement "extreme". In Waldmann's case, the judge accepted the defence argument that the German did not know the pieces from Fitton were antiquities.

[With inputs from agencies] 
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An Iraqi court on Monday sentenced a British retired geologist to 15 years in prison for trying to smuggle antiquities out of the country but released a German co-accused, who was found not to have criminal intent in the case.

An Iraqi court on Monday sentenced a British retired geologist to 15 years in prison for trying to smuggle antiquities out of the country but released a German co-accused, who was found not to have criminal intent in the case. The maximum penalty for the offence is death by hanging but the court decided on a lesser sentence for James Fitton, 66, "because of the advanced age of the accused," the judge said. Fitton's lawyer said that he would appeal. The court found "insufficient evidence" to convict co-accused Volker Waldmann, 60, who was visiting Iraq with Fitton on an organised tour when they were arrested in March at Baghdad airport. War-ravaged Iraq's tourism infrastructure is almost non-existent but the country is timidly opening to visitors. Iraq has also been trying to recover antiquities that were looted over a period of decades from the country whose civilisation dates back thousands of years. When the judge asked the men whether they were guilty or not guilty "of trafficking antiquities," each replied: "Not guilty." They appeared in court dressed in yellow prisoners' clothing, but not handcuffed, said an AFP journalist at the hearing. They were charged under a 2002 law against "intentionally taking or trying to take out of Iraq an antiquity". According to statements from customs officers and witnesses, Fitton's baggage contained about a dozen stone fragments, pieces of pottery or ceramics. Waldmann, a Berlin psychologist, allegedly had two pieces but at the trial's opening on May 15 denied they were his. When the judge asked Fitton why he tried to take the artefacts out of Iraq, he cited his "hobby" and said he did not mean to do anything illegal. "I didn't realise that taking them was against the law," Fitton said, adding that some of the ancient sites were open and unguarded. In his verdict, the judge found that Fitton was "aware" that the location from where he collected the fragments was "an archaeological site" and that it was illegal to take them. The judge concluded there was criminal intent. Defence lawyer Thaer Massoud denied this, and called the judgement "extreme". In Waldmann's case, the judge accepted the defence argument that the German did not know the pieces from Fitton were antiquities. [With inputs from agencies] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

British geologist sent to prison for trying to smuggle antiquities out of Iraq

This video is all about Hussein Abdullah Ahmed famously known as Hussein Abu Shawareb (Mr. Moustache), hailing from the city of Soran in the province of Arbil.

Local celebrity of Iraq: Mr. Moustache man

Iran's Vice President meanwhile held talks with the Iraqi Foreign Minister in Baghdad. The two leaders discussed climate change and severe drought in Iraq

Iran, Iraq hold talks on climate change

Iraq is facing wheat acute shortage due to climate change. The shortage of water for irrigation and lower than expected rainfall are being cited as the prime reasons behind the situation in Iraq

Water shortage limits wheat production in Iraq

Iraq is in the midst of an outbreak of a fever that causes people to bleed to death, according to local media reports.

The disease called the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever has claimed 19 deaths among 111 cases this year, according to the World Health Organization.

The disease has been spreading rapidly in the Iraqi countryside, with the southern province alon recording half of the country’s cases.

According to medics, the virus causes severe bleeding both internally and externally and especially from the nose. As many as two-fifths of the cases die.

"The number of cases recorded is unprecedented," Haidar Hantouche, a health official in Dhi Qar province told the AFP.

The surge in cases this year has shocked officials, since numbers far exceed recorded cases in the 43 years since the virus was first documented in Iraq in 1979.

What do we know about the disease?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CCHF is caused by infection with a tick-borne virus.

The disease was first found in Crimea in 1944 and given the name Crimean hemorrhagic fever. It was then later recognized in 1969 as the cause of illness in the Congo, thus resulting in the current name of the disease.

It is endemic in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Balkans.

"Animals become infected by the bite of infected ticks," said the&nbsp;WHO.

"The CCHF virus is transmitted to people either by tick bites or through contact with infected animal blood or tissues during and immediately after slaughter," it added.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CCHF's fatality rate is between 10 per cent and 40 per cent.

Is there any preventive cure?

The virus has no vaccine and its onset can be swift. CDC said the long-term effects of CCHF infection have not been studied well enough in survivors to determine whether or not specific complications exist. However, recovery is slow.

Main targets—farmers, veterinarians

Since the virus is "primarily transmitted" to people via ticks on livestock, most cases are among farmers, slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians, the WHO says.

"Human-to-human transmission can occur resulting from close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons," it adds.

Alongside uncontrolled bleeding, the virus causes intense fever and vomiting.

Medics fear there may be an explosion of cases following the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha in July, when families traditionally slaughter an animal to feed guests.

Slaughterhouses take a hit

The virus has also adversely affected meat consumption in the country, with many butchers saying cattle arriving for slaughter has fallen to half normal levels. "People are afraid of red meat and think it can transmit infection," said Fares Mansour, Director of Najaf Veterinary Hospital.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iraq is in the midst of an outbreak of a fever that causes people to bleed to death, according to local media reports. The disease called the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever has claimed 19 deaths among 111 cases this year, according to the World Health Organization.

Iraq is in the midst of an outbreak of a fever that causes people to bleed to death, according to local media reports. The disease called the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever has claimed 19 deaths among 111 cases this year, according to the World Health Organization. The disease has been spreading rapidly in the Iraqi countryside, with the southern province alon recording half of the country’s cases. According to medics, the virus causes severe bleeding both internally and externally and especially from the nose. As many as two-fifths of the cases die. "The number of cases recorded is unprecedented," Haidar Hantouche, a health official in Dhi Qar province told the AFP. The surge in cases this year has shocked officials, since numbers far exceed recorded cases in the 43 years since the virus was first documented in Iraq in 1979. What do we know about the disease? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CCHF is caused by infection with a tick-borne virus. The disease was first found in Crimea in 1944 and given the name Crimean hemorrhagic fever. It was then later recognized in 1969 as the cause of illness in the Congo, thus resulting in the current name of the disease. It is endemic in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Balkans. "Animals become infected by the bite of infected ticks," said the WHO. "The CCHF virus is transmitted to people either by tick bites or through contact with infected animal blood or tissues during and immediately after slaughter," it added. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CCHF's fatality rate is between 10 per cent and 40 per cent. Is there any preventive cure? The virus has no vaccine and its onset can be swift. CDC said the long-term effects of CCHF infection have not been studied well enough in survivors to determine whether or not specific complications exist. However, recovery is slow. Main targets—farmers, veterinarians Since the virus is "primarily transmitted" to people via ticks on livestock, most cases are among farmers, slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians, the WHO says. "Human-to-human transmission can occur resulting from close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons," it adds. Alongside uncontrolled bleeding, the virus causes intense fever and vomiting. Medics fear there may be an explosion of cases following the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha in July, when families traditionally slaughter an animal to feed guests. Slaughterhouses take a hit The virus has also adversely affected meat consumption in the country, with many butchers saying cattle arriving for slaughter has fallen to half normal levels. "People are afraid of red meat and think it can transmit infection," said Fares Mansour, Director of Najaf Veterinary Hospital. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iraq seeing outbreak of nose-bleed fever. Here’s what we know about the deadly disease

Several Arab countries have started to establish formal ties with Israel. But it seems Iraq doesn’t want to follow suit. The country’s parliament has approved a law on Thursday to ban normalising relations with Israel, media reports said.&nbsp;The parliament of Iraq has also not been able to convene on any other important issue like electing a new president or forming own government. This has been happening due to a prolonged political standoff. &nbsp;

Since Israel’s establishment in 1948, it has never been recognised by Iraq. Till now, citizens and companies of Iraq cannot visit Israel. The new law has criminalised any attempt to normalise relations with Israel. &nbsp;

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An influential Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr proposed the law. His party opposes close ties with not just Israel but the United States too. It had won more seats in parliament elections last year. &nbsp;

"Approving the law is not only a victory for the Iraqi people but to the heroes in Palestine and Hezbollah in Lebanon," said Iraqi Shiite lawmaker Hassan Salim. He represents Asaib Ahl al-Haq, which is the Iranian-backed militia. &nbsp;

Sadr's party lawmakers said the law was proposed to curb claims by rival parties backed by Iran that Sadr is looking to make coalitions with Sunni and Kurds may have secret ties with Israel. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Several Arab countries have started to establish formal ties with Israel. But it seems Iraq doesn’t want to follow suit. The country’s parliament has approved a law on Thursday to ban normalising relations with Israel, media reports said.

Several Arab countries have started to establish formal ties with Israel. But it seems Iraq doesn’t want to follow suit. The country’s parliament has approved a law on Thursday to ban normalising relations with Israel, media reports said. The parliament of Iraq has also not been able to convene on any other important issue like electing a new president or forming own government. This has been happening due to a prolonged political standoff. Since Israel’s establishment in 1948, it has never been recognised by Iraq. Till now, citizens and companies of Iraq cannot visit Israel. The new law has criminalised any attempt to normalise relations with Israel. WATCH WION LIVE HERE An influential Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr proposed the law. His party opposes close ties with not just Israel but the United States too. It had won more seats in parliament elections last year. "Approving the law is not only a victory for the Iraqi people but to the heroes in Palestine and Hezbollah in Lebanon," said Iraqi Shiite lawmaker Hassan Salim. He represents Asaib Ahl al-Haq, which is the Iranian-backed militia. Sadr's party lawmakers said the law was proposed to curb claims by rival parties backed by Iran that Sadr is looking to make coalitions with Sunni and Kurds may have secret ties with Israel. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Drastic step: Iraq approves  law that makes normalising ties with Israel illegal

Riyadh has been hit by a second sandstorm in less than a week. In neighboring Iraq people are still reporting respiratory issues

Riyadh hit by second sandstorm in a week

In pics - Ninth sandstorm in less than two months shuts down much of Iraq

Another sandstorm hit Iraq on Monday, this is the 9th sandstorm that has hit the country since mid-April. Storms have been more frequent in the region in recent months

Iraq sandstorm: Baghdad covered in orange haze

Iraq swamps are being threatened with extinction. They are one of the world's largest inland deltas. A new project to clean swamplands in Iraq is underway.

Iraq swamps threatened with extinction: They are one of the world's largest inland deltas

While speaking at an event, Former US President George W Bush condemned the full-scale invasion by Russia as "brutal" and "unjustified". However, he mistakenly said "invasion of Iraq". In no time, he corrected himself: "I mean, Ukraine".

Former US President Bush condemns 'brutal invasion of Iraq' in public gaffe

Massive sandstorm hit the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Monday prompting the Iraqi ministry of health to announce a state of emergency. Poor visibility conditions forced the authorities to suspend all outbound and inbound flights to Iraq.

Iraq: Residents struggle to breathe as sandstorm hits Baghdad

A massive sandstorm hit the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Monday prompting the Iraqi Ministry of Health to announce a state of emergency. Poor visibility conditions forced the authorities to suspend all outbound and inbound flights to Iraq

Iraqis choke under a blanket of dust as severe sandstorm hits Baghdad

Iraq has been most vulnerable to climate change as it has suffered 3 years of drought. Iraq's water reserves are running below critical levels.

Iraq is most vulnerable to climate change as it has suffered 3 years of drought

A global campaign has begun to hold Israel accountable for the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh. Protests are being held in Tunisia, Jordan, Iraq, & Lebanon. Global bodies are making calls for an independent probe. Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Global campaign to hold Israel accountable for journalist's death

In pics: One dead, 5000 suffer breathing problems as thick sandstorm hits Iraq

Iraqis are struggling with fears and storms one after another, the Gulf country has been hit by at least seven sand storms in one month making over one thousand citizens land in hospitals.

Iraqis wake up to a thick blanket of dust, 7 dust storms hit Iraq in 1 month

A thick cloud of dust storm has hit large part of the country. Several flights have been grounded due to poor visibility. Dust storms are common in the Middle East. Iraq was hit by a series of dust storms in April. Dozens were hospitalised due to respiratory problems.

Watch: Skies in Iraq turn orange after dust storm

Iraq was covered in a thick sheet of sand as the country suffered a dust storm on Sunday. The recent storm adds to the series of dust storms that have become increasingly common in the country. According to the weather department, the phenomenon is expected to continue even today.

Iraq suffers another dust storm, flights grounded in Baghdad and Najaf

Karbala's green belt which was once seen as a green fortress protecting Iraq against sand storms and desertification is now a wilted failure plagued by corruption and the lack of climate action. Iraq is grappling with climate change, its farmers are dealing with the effects and this could soon tensions in the country

Climate Crisis: Iraq's green belt left barren

In Pics: For first time since IS defeat, 19th century church celebrates mass in Iraq

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi has said that end to years of tension between regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia is near. He was quoted in an interview that was published on Saturday (April 30).

Iraq is a neighbour of both Iran and Saudi Arabia. Iran, a Shia nation has for years vied for influence in West Asia against Saudi Arabia, a Sunni nation. Over the past year, Iran has hosted five rounds of talks between the two countries.

Following the latest round in Baghdad, Iraqi officials have sounded increasingly optimistic, talking of an imminent sixth session and even going so far as to raise the prospect of a resumption in diplomatic relations severed in 2016.

Iran and the Saudi kingdom support rival sides in several conflict zones across the region, including in Yemen where the Huthi rebels are backed by Tehran, and Riyadh leads a military coalition supporting the government.

In 2016, Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran after the kingdom executed Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr. 
Riyadh responded by cutting ties with Tehran.

"Our brothers in Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran approach the dialogue with a big responsibility as demanded by the current regional situation," Kadhemi said in his interview with the state-owned Al-Sabah newspaper.

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"We are convinced that reconciliation is near," which would benefit regional stability, said Kadhemi, who Iraqi diplomats say attended the most recent meeting.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi has said that end to years of tension between regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia is near. He was quoted in an interview that was published on Saturday (April 30).

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi has said that end to years of tension between regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia is near. He was quoted in an interview that was published on Saturday (April 30). Iraq is a neighbour of both Iran and Saudi Arabia. Iran, a Shia nation has for years vied for influence in West Asia against Saudi Arabia, a Sunni nation. Over the past year, Iran has hosted five rounds of talks between the two countries. Following the latest round in Baghdad, Iraqi officials have sounded increasingly optimistic, talking of an imminent sixth session and even going so far as to raise the prospect of a resumption in diplomatic relations severed in 2016. Iran and the Saudi kingdom support rival sides in several conflict zones across the region, including in Yemen where the Huthi rebels are backed by Tehran, and Riyadh leads a military coalition supporting the government. In 2016, Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran after the kingdom executed Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr. Riyadh responded by cutting ties with Tehran. "Our brothers in Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran approach the dialogue with a big responsibility as demanded by the current regional situation," Kadhemi said in his interview with the state-owned Al-Sabah newspaper. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × "We are convinced that reconciliation is near," which would benefit regional stability, said Kadhemi, who Iraqi diplomats say attended the most recent meeting. (With inputs from agencies)

Tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia nearing end: Iraq PM

Iraq's capital Baghdad is witnessing third dust storm in two weeks. The storm has forced flights to be suspended.

Baghdad witnesses third dust storm in two weeks, flights suspended

The green belt project in Iraq aimed to safeguard the country from environmental disasters but lack of funding and reluctance from the government officials has left the project barren and incomplete.

Climate crisis a big threat for Iraq, funding for green belt project is halted

Iraq only has a few remaining heritage sites left. Among these is the Ezekiel Synagogue which is at the risk of collapsing at present as restoration work is yet to begin.

Ezekiel Synagogue at the risk of collapsing, restoration work is yet to begin

Iraq is currently witnessing a dust storm, dozens have been hospitalized as it caused breathing problems for many. Storm has left cities covered in orange dust and even reduced visibility as the sandstorm continues.

Iraq witnesses rise in dust storms, dozens hospitalized due to breathing issues

A dust storm that has swept through much of Iraq has left&nbsp;dozens&nbsp;of people in hospital with &nbsp;respiratory problems, a health ministry spokesman said Saturday.

The storm erupted in the north of the country on Thursday, prompting the cancellation of flights serving Arbil, capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region.

As the storm swept south, it shrouded Baghdad and cities as far south as Nasiriyah in a ghostly orange.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-presidential-vote-delayed-again-over-lack-of-quorum-465780">&nbsp;Iraq presidential vote delayed again over lack of quorum</a>

In the capital, buildings and vehicles were covered in ochre-coloured dust, AFP journalists reported.

The storm has caused "dozens&nbsp;of hospitalisations across Iraq due to respiratory problems", health ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr told AFP.

The director of Iraq's meteorological office, Amer al-Jabri, said that while dust storms were not uncommon in Iraq, they are becoming more frequent "due to drought, desertification and declining rainfall".

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 12 Iranian Missiles land in Iraq

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-12-iranian-missiles-land-in-iraq-462331/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Iraq is particularly vulnerable to climate change, having already witnessed record low rainfall and high temperatures in recent years.

Experts have said these factors threaten social and economic disaster in the war-scarred country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tehran-warned-iraq-often-about-threats-posed-to-iran-foreign-ministry-462111">Tehran warned Iraq often about threats posed to Iran: Foreign ministry</a>

In November, the World Bank warned that Iraq could suffer a 20 percent drop in water resources by 2050 due to climate change.

A dust storm that has swept through much of Iraq has left dozens of people in hospital with respiratory problems, a health ministry spokesman said Saturday. The storm erupted in the north of the country on Thursday, prompting the cancellation of flights serving Arbil, capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region.

A dust storm that has swept through much of Iraq has left dozens of people in hospital with respiratory problems, a health ministry spokesman said Saturday. The storm erupted in the north of the country on Thursday, prompting the cancellation of flights serving Arbil, capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region. As the storm swept south, it shrouded Baghdad and cities as far south as Nasiriyah in a ghostly orange. Also read | Iraq presidential vote delayed again over lack of quorum In the capital, buildings and vehicles were covered in ochre-coloured dust, AFP journalists reported. The storm has caused "dozens of hospitalisations across Iraq due to respiratory problems", health ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr told AFP. The director of Iraq's meteorological office, Amer al-Jabri, said that while dust storms were not uncommon in Iraq, they are becoming more frequent "due to drought, desertification and declining rainfall". Watch | Gravitas: 12 Iranian Missiles land in Iraq Iraq is particularly vulnerable to climate change, having already witnessed record low rainfall and high temperatures in recent years. Experts have said these factors threaten social and economic disaster in the war-scarred country. Also read | Tehran warned Iraq often about threats posed to Iran: Foreign ministry In November, the World Bank warned that Iraq could suffer a 20 percent drop in water resources by 2050 due to climate change.

Dozens hospitalised as Iraq gripped by dust storm

Vets in Iraq's Marshes use boats as ambulance to rescue water buffalo nestled between Tigris & Euphrates rivers. Farmers are unable to show their buffaloes to the vet.

Vets use boats as ambulance in Iraq's Marshes to rescue water buffalo in nestled swamplands

Dubai-based Salem Al Makrani Cargo Company confirmed on Thursday that one of their ships capsized off the coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf and that Iranian authorities had sent a vessel to rescue the 30 crew members abroad the ship. <o:p></o:p>

The ship, which had left Dubai few days ago, was bound for the port of Umm Qasr in Southern Iraq and it was carrying cars and other cargo.

<o:p></o:p>

According to the AFP report, captain Nizar Qaddoura, the firm’s operations manager, said that 16 crew members were rescued till now while 11 survivors made it into life rafts. The Iranian authorities said all but one member of the cargo ship was rescued by the rescue forces.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everything-we-know-about-the-new-covid-19-variant-found-in-israel-463112">Everything we know about the new COVID-19 variant found in Israel</a>

The authorities also said two Iranian rescue vessels were present at the scene of the accident and that meteorologists reported wind speeds of 70 kilometres per hour, according to Reuters.<o:p></o:p>

"Twenty-nine crew members have so far been saved, and rescue operations are continuing to find another team member," an official from Iran's Bushehr Province told IRNA.

<o:p></o:p>

Although the reason is not clear yet, the company said the turbulent waters due to bad weather resulted in the capsizing. The crew mainly comprised of individuals from India, Pakistan, Uganda, Sudan, Tanzania and Ethiopia.&nbsp;

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-to-get-us-stingers-javelin-anti-armour-systems-is-it-a-gamechanger-463142" hreflang="en">Ukraine to get US Stingers, Javelin, anti-armour systems; is it a gamechanger?</a>

The incident took place around 30 miles (50 km) off the coast of Asaluyeh in Southern Iran, according to the IRNA news agency. They further reported that the authorities faced a lot of challenges while conduction the rescue operation due to stormy weather.

<o:p>Watch |&nbsp;First cargo ship powered by liquid hydrogen unveiled in France</o:p>

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/first-cargo-ship-powered-by-liquid-hydrogen-unveiled-in-france-set-to-sail-by-2025-452185/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Dubai-based Salem Al Makrani Cargo Company confirmed on Thursday that one of their ships capsized off the coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf and that Iranian authorities had sent a vessel to rescue the 30 crew members abroad the ship.

Dubai-based Salem Al Makrani Cargo Company confirmed on Thursday that one of their ships capsized off the coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf and that Iranian authorities had sent a vessel to rescue the 30 crew members abroad the ship. The ship, which had left Dubai few days ago, was bound for the port of Umm Qasr in Southern Iraq and it was carrying cars and other cargo. According to the AFP report, captain Nizar Qaddoura, the firm’s operations manager, said that 16 crew members were rescued till now while 11 survivors made it into life rafts. The Iranian authorities said all but one member of the cargo ship was rescued by the rescue forces. Also read | Everything we know about the new COVID-19 variant found in Israel The authorities also said two Iranian rescue vessels were present at the scene of the accident and that meteorologists reported wind speeds of 70 kilometres per hour, according to Reuters. "Twenty-nine crew members have so far been saved, and rescue operations are continuing to find another team member," an official from Iran's Bushehr Province told IRNA. Although the reason is not clear yet, the company said the turbulent waters due to bad weather resulted in the capsizing. The crew mainly comprised of individuals from India, Pakistan, Uganda, Sudan, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Also read | Ukraine to get US Stingers, Javelin, anti-armour systems; is it a gamechanger? The incident took place around 30 miles (50 km) off the coast of Asaluyeh in Southern Iran, according to the IRNA news agency. They further reported that the authorities faced a lot of challenges while conduction the rescue operation due to stormy weather. Watch | First cargo ship powered by liquid hydrogen unveiled in France (With inputs from agencies)

UAE cargo ship carrying 30 crew members sinks off Iran coast

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