Philippine coast guard authorities are rushing to find out and secure a tanker which sank in rough seas and is now spilling the industrial fuel oil cargo it was carrying. The tanker MT Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 litres (210,000 gallons) of industrial fuel oil and sank off the northeast coast of Mindoro island, Philippines on 28 February.&nbsp;

The oil product tanker was on its journey from Bataan province, near the capital, Manila, to the central province of Iloilo.&nbsp;

The vessel faced an issue with its engine and sank into the sea. After the tanker sank, a spillage was spotted by the coast guard and was initially thought to be just the malfunctioned engine's diesel fuel.&nbsp;

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However, after conducting a test of the water samples, the authorities confirmed on Thursday that it was in fact some spillage&nbsp;of the industrial oil cargo the tanker was carrying.&nbsp;The industrial oil leakage was spotted off Oriental Mindoro province.&nbsp;

By Wednesday, the coast guard said that a spill had spread in an area of over 24sq km (9 square miles). &nbsp;

However, anything certain could not be said about the extent of the spillage. Philippines Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, as quoted by media portals, said, “A ship’s structural integrity may be compromised during the sinking, and it may develop a hole through which oil will leak under pressure."&nbsp;

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It is becoming difficult for the divers to reach the tanker as the vessel sank into over 400 metres deep (1,300 feet) seas, he said. Balilo added that the cargo was not sealed and was loaded directly into the tanker. Oriental Mindoro provincial Governor Humerlito Dolor said that a search is underway.&nbsp;

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The coast guards are using oil spill booms to contain the oil spillage. The areas where the oil spillage is spotted include Verde Island Passage, a marine ecosystem that provides food and livelihood to millions of people. Environmental groups are expressing concerns that the oil spill could potentially endanger protected 21 marine protected areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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Philippine coast guard authorities are rushing to find out and secure a tanker which sank in rough seas and is now spilling the industrial fuel oil cargo it was carrying.

Philippine coast guard authorities are rushing to find out and secure a tanker which sank in rough seas and is now spilling the industrial fuel oil cargo it was carrying. The tanker MT Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 litres (210,000 gallons) of industrial fuel oil and sank off the northeast coast of Mindoro island, Philippines on 28 February. The oil product tanker was on its journey from Bataan province, near the capital, Manila, to the central province of Iloilo. The vessel faced an issue with its engine and sank into the sea. After the tanker sank, a spillage was spotted by the coast guard and was initially thought to be just the malfunctioned engine's diesel fuel. Also Read | Russia, China lambast West for blackmailing, attempting to interfere in other countries' internal affairs However, after conducting a test of the water samples, the authorities confirmed on Thursday that it was in fact some spillage of the industrial oil cargo the tanker was carrying. The industrial oil leakage was spotted off Oriental Mindoro province. By Wednesday, the coast guard said that a spill had spread in an area of over 24sq km (9 square miles). However, anything certain could not be said about the extent of the spillage. Philippines Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, as quoted by media portals, said, “A ship’s structural integrity may be compromised during the sinking, and it may develop a hole through which oil will leak under pressure." Also Read | US Senate clears bill to declassify all information on Covid-19 origin It is becoming difficult for the divers to reach the tanker as the vessel sank into over 400 metres deep (1,300 feet) seas, he said. Balilo added that the cargo was not sealed and was loaded directly into the tanker. Oriental Mindoro provincial Governor Humerlito Dolor said that a search is underway. Watch | Israeli Protesters Confront Benjamin Netanyahu's Wife Outside Tel Aviv Hair Salon The coast guards are using oil spill booms to contain the oil spillage. The areas where the oil spillage is spotted include Verde Island Passage, a marine ecosystem that provides food and livelihood to millions of people. Environmental groups are expressing concerns that the oil spill could potentially endanger protected 21 marine protected areas. (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.

Philippines dispatches resources to contain oil spillage from sunken tanker 'Princess Empress'

At least one person was killed and four others were injured after an explosion on an oil tanker ship took place, on early Tuesday (January 17), in Thailand’s Samut Songkhram province, said officials. According to media reports, several houses were also damaged after the explosion and subsequent fire on the “Smooth Sea 22”, an oil tanker stationed southwest of the capital Bangkok. In a bid to douse the flames water was&nbsp;sprayed from the&nbsp;shore as well as&nbsp;smaller boats onto the ship, as smoke continued to emerge from the tanker, reported Reuters citing videos of the incident.&nbsp;

According to the provincial governor Somnuk Promkaew, as of Tuesday afternoon, seven people are still missing and said that the explosion occurred during welding when some 10 workers were aboard the ship and 30 others were on the banks of the dockyard, reported the Bangkok Post. The incident occurred when the oil tanker was undergoing regular maintenance work at the Ruam Mitr Dockyard.&nbsp;

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The country’s Marine Department indicated that the fire was brought under control after an hour and said they will launch an investigation into the incident. One dock worker was killed, while four others, one a Thai and three from Myanmar were injured and among the seven people missing were six from Myanmar and one Thai national, said a report by the Bangkok Post.&nbsp;

The governor also said that the tanker which was previously reported empty still had around 25,000 litres of fuel oil and 20,000 litres of diesel onboard while it was anchored for maintenance. According to local media reports, the explosion caused damage to nearby houses and was heard several kilometres away. Meanwhile, the authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the explosion.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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At least one person was killed and four others were injured after an explosion on an oil tanker ship took place, on early Tuesday (January 17), in Thailand’s Samut Songkhram province, said officials.

At least one person was killed and four others were injured after an explosion on an oil tanker ship took place, on early Tuesday (January 17), in Thailand’s Samut Songkhram province, said officials. According to media reports, several houses were also damaged after the explosion and subsequent fire on the “Smooth Sea 22”, an oil tanker stationed southwest of the capital Bangkok. In a bid to douse the flames water was sprayed from the shore as well as smaller boats onto the ship, as smoke continued to emerge from the tanker, reported Reuters citing videos of the incident. According to the provincial governor Somnuk Promkaew, as of Tuesday afternoon, seven people are still missing and said that the explosion occurred during welding when some 10 workers were aboard the ship and 30 others were on the banks of the dockyard, reported the Bangkok Post. The incident occurred when the oil tanker was undergoing regular maintenance work at the Ruam Mitr Dockyard. ALSO READ | Thailand reimposes Covid entry rules in wake of China outbreak The country’s Marine Department indicated that the fire was brought under control after an hour and said they will launch an investigation into the incident. One dock worker was killed, while four others, one a Thai and three from Myanmar were injured and among the seven people missing were six from Myanmar and one Thai national, said a report by the Bangkok Post. The governor also said that the tanker which was previously reported empty still had around 25,000 litres of fuel oil and 20,000 litres of diesel onboard while it was anchored for maintenance. According to local media reports, the explosion caused damage to nearby houses and was heard several kilometres away. Meanwhile, the authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the explosion. (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.

Thailand: At least one killed, four injured after explosion on oil tanker ship

A speeding bus collided with an oil tanker in <meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pm-nawaz-sharif-to-return-to-pakistan-in-september-pml-n-507286">Pakistan</a>, killing 20 people in a violent collision&nbsp;overnight, police and rescue officials said on Tuesday.

"The three buses were competing. One of them struck a tanker carrying crude oil "Imran Shaukat, a police official, described the incident on a highway near Multan, Pakistan's capital, to Reuters.

The tanker and the bus were both destroyed by fire that was started by the collision, he claimed. He claimed that it was impossible to identify the oil tanker and ascertain the firm it belonged to.

The driver of the tanker allegedly fled the scene, according to a highway police official.

The <meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/six-killed-several-injured-as-bus-carrying-itbp-soldiers-falls-into-roadside-riverbed-in-jk-507342">bus</a>, according to representatives of a government-run rescue organisation, was headed for Karachi, a port city in the south. The Daewoo bus firm was the operator, according to the rescue agency, and at least 20 people died, some of them were fully burned.

Daewoo's Lahore office employee who answered the phone acknowledged that the company's bus was involved in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/anne-heche-passes-away-actress-taken-off-life-support-after-horrific-car-crash-506953">accident</a>&nbsp;and that the driver was among those killed. Senior company representatives were unavailable for comment.

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<meta charset="utf-8" />

A rescue agency representative told Dunya TV that six people made it out alive.

He added that the most of the passengers were killed by the fire while they were asleep and that it was burning when they arrived.

Speeding and inadequate road infrastructure are the main causes of the deadly traffic accidents that frequently occur in Pakistan. Over a hundred people perished in the area in 2017 when an oil tanker flipped and caught fire.

(With inputs from agencies)

A speeding bus collided with an oil tanker in Pakistan, killing 20 people in a violent collision overnight, police and rescue officials said on Tuesday. "The three buses were competing.

A speeding bus collided with an oil tanker in Pakistan, killing 20 people in a violent collision overnight, police and rescue officials said on Tuesday. "The three buses were competing. One of them struck a tanker carrying crude oil "Imran Shaukat, a police official, described the incident on a highway near Multan, Pakistan's capital, to Reuters. The tanker and the bus were both destroyed by fire that was started by the collision, he claimed. He claimed that it was impossible to identify the oil tanker and ascertain the firm it belonged to. The driver of the tanker allegedly fled the scene, according to a highway police official. The bus, according to representatives of a government-run rescue organisation, was headed for Karachi, a port city in the south. The Daewoo bus firm was the operator, according to the rescue agency, and at least 20 people died, some of them were fully burned. Daewoo's Lahore office employee who answered the phone acknowledged that the company's bus was involved in the accident and that the driver was among those killed. Senior company representatives were unavailable for comment. Also read | Ex-PM Imran Khan admits Hindu girls being forcefully converted to Islam in Pakistan A rescue agency representative told Dunya TV that six people made it out alive. He added that the most of the passengers were killed by the fire while they were asleep and that it was burning when they arrived. Speeding and inadequate road infrastructure are the main causes of the deadly traffic accidents that frequently occur in Pakistan. Over a hundred people perished in the area in 2017 when an oil tanker flipped and caught fire. (With inputs from agencies)

20 die in bus-oil tanker crash in Pakistan

Iran said that it has stopped the US Navy from seizing its oil tanker in the Sea of Oman. The IRGC has also released a video of Iranian guards taking over ship.

Iran claims it stopped US from seizing oil tanker in Sea of Oman

An abandoned and rotting oil tanker in the Red Sea is leaking oil, something that can leave millions of people without water.

The oil tanker FSO Safer was abandoned in the year 2017. 1.1 million barrels of crude oil is still onboard the oil tanker.&nbsp;

Negotiations are underway to offload the oil cargo. As days pass and negotiations go on, the likelihood of an oil spill is increasing.

The oil spill, if it takes place, will wreak environmental havoc that is likely to affect Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, Djibouti and Oman.

The talks between Houthi rebels, the UN-recognised government of Yemen and the UN have not yielded much so far and a staff of just seven is keeping a watch on the rotting hull.

A model predicting the oil spill has been published in journal Nature Sustainability. The model shows that the oil spill is likely to force closure of Red Sea ports of Hodeidah and Salif within two weeks. This may cause fuel shortage in Yemen. Water pumps will not work in this case and 8 million Yemenis will lose access to running water. Desalination plants in the region are likely to get polluted as well.

It is anticipated that half of the oil will evaporate within 24 hours. But the rest will reach Yemen's western coastline in three weeks.

An abandoned and rotting oil tanker in the Red Sea is leaking oil, something that can leave millions of people without water. The oil tanker FSO Safer was abandoned in the year 2017.

An abandoned and rotting oil tanker in the Red Sea is leaking oil, something that can leave millions of people without water. The oil tanker FSO Safer was abandoned in the year 2017. 1.1 million barrels of crude oil is still onboard the oil tanker. Negotiations are underway to offload the oil cargo. As days pass and negotiations go on, the likelihood of an oil spill is increasing. The oil spill, if it takes place, will wreak environmental havoc that is likely to affect Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, Djibouti and Oman. The talks between Houthi rebels, the UN-recognised government of Yemen and the UN have not yielded much so far and a staff of just seven is keeping a watch on the rotting hull. A model predicting the oil spill has been published in journal Nature Sustainability. The model shows that the oil spill is likely to force closure of Red Sea ports of Hodeidah and Salif within two weeks. This may cause fuel shortage in Yemen. Water pumps will not work in this case and 8 million Yemenis will lose access to running water. Desalination plants in the region are likely to get polluted as well. It is anticipated that half of the oil will evaporate within 24 hours. But the rest will reach Yemen's western coastline in three weeks.

Abandoned Red Sea oil tanker may leave millions without water

On Tuesday at least five ships in the sea between the UAE and Iran updated their AIS tracking status to "Not Under Command", according to Refinitiv ship tracking data.

Concern over hijack of oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman

Greenpeace warned that a long-abandoned fuel tanker off war-torn Yemen’s coast could 'explode at any moment'. It suspects that the tanker's explosion will lead to a catastrophic oil spill.

Greenpeace: Long abandoned fuel tanker near Yemen port could 'explode at any moment'

An explosion occurred on a Greek tanker ship on Wednesday. At the time of the blast, the tanker was at Saudi Arabian port of Al Shauqaiq. The cause of the blast is not yet known. No one has been injured. Investigation into the explosion is underway.

"The explosion happened around 0300 local time (0000 GMT), but the causes have not yet been identified," an official of Greek ministry of the merchant marine.

The Agrari MT tanker was flying a Maltese flag and there were 25 crew members onboard. Seven of them were Greeks.

"The crew's health is good," a senior ministry official said.

Owned by the Economou group of companies, the tanker was carrying no cargo when the explosion happened, the ministry added.

All damage to the ship was above the waterline, one ministry source who asked not to be named said. 
The source added that Saudi Arabian police were investigating the cause of the blast.

(With AFP inputs)

An explosion occurred on a Greek tanker ship on Wednesday. At the time of the blast, the tanker was at Saudi Arabian port of Al Shauqaiq. The cause of the blast is not yet known.

An explosion occurred on a Greek tanker ship on Wednesday. At the time of the blast, the tanker was at Saudi Arabian port of Al Shauqaiq. The cause of the blast is not yet known. No one has been injured. Investigation into the explosion is underway. "The explosion happened around 0300 local time (0000 GMT), but the causes have not yet been identified," an official of Greek ministry of the merchant marine. The Agrari MT tanker was flying a Maltese flag and there were 25 crew members onboard. Seven of them were Greeks. "The crew's health is good," a senior ministry official said. Owned by the Economou group of companies, the tanker was carrying no cargo when the explosion happened, the ministry added. All damage to the ship was above the waterline, one ministry source who asked not to be named said. The source added that Saudi Arabian police were investigating the cause of the blast. (With AFP inputs)

Explosion on Greek tanker at Saudi Arabian port

British police said on Sunday (October 25) they were dealing with an incident aboard an oil tanker near the coast of the Isle of Wight, an island off the southern coast of England.

UK: Attempted 'hijacking' on ship moored off Isle of Wight

A Venezuelan vessel, is at risk of spilling millions of gallons of oil in the Gulf of Paria in the Caribbean Sea, raising environmental concerns for the region.

Tilting oil tanker on brink of sinking; Oil crisis unfolding in Gulf of Paria

Sri Lanka will not allow a Panamanian-registered oil tanker stricken off its coast to leave its waters until the vessel's owners pay a $2 million fire-fighting bill, government officials have said.

The New Diamond, carrying 270,000 tonnes of crude, was en-route from Kuwait to India when an engine room explosion on September 3 killed a Filipino crewman and set off a massive fire.

Firefighters from Sri Lanka and India battled and put out&nbsp;the blaze on&nbsp;the vessel, which is now tied to a tug boat and guarded by a Sri Lankan navy ship some 140 kilometres (90 miles) east of the Indian Ocean island.

Official sources said the owners of the tanker had planned to begin towing the stricken vessel to the United Arab Emirates.

But Sri Lanka's Marine Environment Protection Agency (MEPA) said Thursday the ship can leave only after paying a $2.38 million bill for firefighting and compensation for marine pollution.

Last week, Sri Lanka had said the tanker's owner, Liberian-registered Porto Emporios Shipping Inc, had agreed to pay the firefighting costs, but on Thursday announced that no payment had yet been received.&nbsp;

"MEPA will grant approval to tow the ship away from of Sri Lankan waters... once the negotiation process (for payment) is completed," the agency said in a letter to the navy.

The vessel is managed by New Shipping Limited of Greece.

The remaining 22 crew of the New Diamond were rescued and are in quarantine as a precaution against the coronavirus in the southern port city of Galle.

The vessel leaked some of its heavy fuel oil but salvage workers have since fixed the rupture, the navy said adding that there was no risk of its crude oil cargo leaking.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka has said it wants to charge the skipper of the tanker for negligence and causing pollution.

Sri Lanka will not allow a Panamanian-registered oil tanker stricken off its coast to leave its waters until the vessel's owners pay a $2 million fire-fighting bill, government officials have said.

Sri Lanka will not allow a Panamanian-registered oil tanker stricken off its coast to leave its waters until the vessel's owners pay a $2 million fire-fighting bill, government officials have said. The New Diamond, carrying 270,000 tonnes of crude, was en-route from Kuwait to India when an engine room explosion on September 3 killed a Filipino crewman and set off a massive fire. Firefighters from Sri Lanka and India battled and put out the blaze on the vessel, which is now tied to a tug boat and guarded by a Sri Lankan navy ship some 140 kilometres (90 miles) east of the Indian Ocean island. Official sources said the owners of the tanker had planned to begin towing the stricken vessel to the United Arab Emirates. But Sri Lanka's Marine Environment Protection Agency (MEPA) said Thursday the ship can leave only after paying a $2.38 million bill for firefighting and compensation for marine pollution. Last week, Sri Lanka had said the tanker's owner, Liberian-registered Porto Emporios Shipping Inc, had agreed to pay the firefighting costs, but on Thursday announced that no payment had yet been received. "MEPA will grant approval to tow the ship away from of Sri Lankan waters... once the negotiation process (for payment) is completed," the agency said in a letter to the navy. The vessel is managed by New Shipping Limited of Greece. The remaining 22 crew of the New Diamond were rescued and are in quarantine as a precaution against the coronavirus in the southern port city of Galle. The vessel leaked some of its heavy fuel oil but salvage workers have since fixed the rupture, the navy said adding that there was no risk of its crude oil cargo leaking. Sri Lanka has said it wants to charge the skipper of the tanker for negligence and causing pollution.

Pay firefighting bill before leaving, Sri Lanka tells stricken oil tanker

Owners of oil supertanker MT New Diamond, that caught fire near Sri Lanka in the first week of September have agreed to pay USD 1.84 million to Sri Lanka for help in extinguishing fire. This is an interim claim and does not include damages for fuel leak into the sea.

The claim was made for the services provided by Sri Lankan Navy, port authority, Sri Lankan Air Force and Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA).

MT New Diamond was ferrying Kuwaiti Oil to Indian port of Paradip. The tanker was chartered by Indian Oil Corporation. The tanker caught fire on September 3 after an explosion in its engine room.

The fire was doused by joint efforts of Indian Navy, Sri Lankan Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard.

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Sri Lankan Marine Environment Protection Authority's (MEPA) Chairperson Dharshani Lahandapura said that insurers of the vessel West of England will settle the bill.

New Diamond is currently 122 kilometres (66 nautical miles) away from Batticaloa on Sri Lanka's east coast.

MEPA has allowed the release of 20 crew members while one injured sailor is undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Sri Lanka, Lahandapura said.

The captain has not been allowed to leave the country as he is going through legal proceedings, she said.

Greece-based Porto Emporios Shipping Inc is the registered owner of the 20-year old Panama-flagged very large crude carrier, Refinitiv data showed.

(With Reuters inputs)

Owners of oil supertanker MT New Diamond, that caught fire near Sri Lanka in the first week of September have agreed to pay USD 1.84 million to Sri Lanka for help in extinguishing fire.

Owners of oil supertanker MT New Diamond, that caught fire near Sri Lanka in the first week of September have agreed to pay USD 1.84 million to Sri Lanka for help in extinguishing fire. This is an interim claim and does not include damages for fuel leak into the sea. The claim was made for the services provided by Sri Lankan Navy, port authority, Sri Lankan Air Force and Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA). MT New Diamond was ferrying Kuwaiti Oil to Indian port of Paradip. The tanker was chartered by Indian Oil Corporation. The tanker caught fire on September 3 after an explosion in its engine room. The fire was doused by joint efforts of Indian Navy, Sri Lankan Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard. Also Read: Sri Lanka apex court set to hear petitions against 20A Sri Lankan Marine Environment Protection Authority's (MEPA) Chairperson Dharshani Lahandapura said that insurers of the vessel West of England will settle the bill. New Diamond is currently 122 kilometres (66 nautical miles) away from Batticaloa on Sri Lanka's east coast. MEPA has allowed the release of 20 crew members while one injured sailor is undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Sri Lanka, Lahandapura said. The captain has not been allowed to leave the country as he is going through legal proceedings, she said. Greece-based Porto Emporios Shipping Inc is the registered owner of the 20-year old Panama-flagged very large crude carrier, Refinitiv data showed. (With Reuters inputs)

Fire-hit supertanker's owner agrees to pay USD 1.8 million to Sri Lanka in damages

Indian Coast Guard on Saturday tweeted that firefighting to put out the fire at oil tanker MT New Diamond was still on. The Coast Guard added that there was 'no oil slick'. The oil tanker ship contains around 300,000 tonnes of crude oil and an oil spill would be disasterous.

Sri Lanka oil tanker fire: Firefighting continues, tweets Indian Coast Guard

A tanker truck exploded in southeast China that has killed 19 people and injured 172, as per state-run People' Daily said on Sunday.&nbsp;

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The tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas exploded causing flames and a cloud of smoke high into the sky at a highway exit in Taizhou in Zhejiang province on Saturday afternoon, an earlier report said.&nbsp;

The incident's video was posted online by the state-run CGTN TV which showed debris of the exploded vehicle flying all around, causing extensive damage to the neighbouring residential units.

Several cars and vehicles around the area also caught fire following the explosion.

One of the eye-witness Lu fang, who works in the nearby restaurant said that he heard a loud bang, he thought it was a flat tire commonly heard along the expressway. But the photos were being shared on social media. Some videos even showed the front of a row of houses collapsed in the explosion.

"The glass on the windows and doors of my home were all shattered. Luckily my mother and brother were unharmed," Lu said.

The cause of the accident is currently under the investigation. The government commission has called for traffic police to step up law enforcement focusing on vehicles such as those carrying dangerous chemicals and has ensured that the investigation will be complete after a certain time. &nbsp;

Several cars and vehicles around the area also caught fire following the explosion. 
 
(Inputs from Reuters)

A tanker truck exploded in southeast China that has killed 19 people and injured 172, as per state-run People' Daily said on Sunday. Also read: China reports 57 new virus cases, highest daily count since April The tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas exploded causing flames and a cloud of smoke high into the sky at a highway exit in Taizhou in Zhejiang province on Saturday afternoon, an earlier report said.

A tanker truck exploded in southeast China that has killed 19 people and injured 172, as per state-run People' Daily said on Sunday. Also read: China reports 57 new virus cases, highest daily count since April The tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas exploded causing flames and a cloud of smoke high into the sky at a highway exit in Taizhou in Zhejiang province on Saturday afternoon, an earlier report said. The incident's video was posted online by the state-run CGTN TV which showed debris of the exploded vehicle flying all around, causing extensive damage to the neighbouring residential units. Several cars and vehicles around the area also caught fire following the explosion. One of the eye-witness Lu fang, who works in the nearby restaurant said that he heard a loud bang, he thought it was a flat tire commonly heard along the expressway. But the photos were being shared on social media. Some videos even showed the front of a row of houses collapsed in the explosion. "The glass on the windows and doors of my home were all shattered. Luckily my mother and brother were unharmed," Lu said. The cause of the accident is currently under the investigation. The government commission has called for traffic police to step up law enforcement focusing on vehicles such as those carrying dangerous chemicals and has ensured that the investigation will be complete after a certain time. Several cars and vehicles around the area also caught fire following the explosion. (Inputs from Reuters)

China's tanker explosion on highway kills 19 and injured 172

A huge blast on an oil tanker in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-sends-missile-warning-to-south-korea-us-as-tensions-rise-241269">South Korean port</a>&nbsp;Saturday sparked a raging fire that spread to a nearby vessel, leaving 18 people injured, authorities said.

A ball of fire shot up high above the ship and thick black smoke billowed into the air, dramatic images showed. Firefighters struggled to contain the blaze and prevent it spreading, shooting streams of water up onto the deck from beside the vessel in the southeast port of Ulsan.

All 25 of those on board the Cayman Islands-flagged tanker and the 21 people on the second ship have been rescued, according to the Coast Guard.

Twelve sailors and six rescue workers were injured, Yonhap news agency said, quoting local authorities. Nine of the injured were South Korean.

The Russian vice-consul in Busan said the tanker crew comprised 10 Russians, including the captain, and none had been seriously injured.

"Some received medical help on the spot, but no Russian has been hospitalised," said Evgeny Evdokimov, quoted by the Russian news agency Tass.

"There were no repairs or loading operations underway on the ship at the time of the explosion. It is obviously something in the cargo that caused the explosion and the fire," he said.

The Coast Guard said the cause of the blast was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-acquisition-of-us-f-35-fighter-aimed-at-opening-gate-to-invade-north-north-korea-state-media-234830">being investigated</a>.

A huge blast on an oil tanker in a South Korean port Saturday sparked a raging fire that spread to a nearby vessel, leaving 18 people injured, authorities said. A ball of fire shot up high above the ship and thick black smoke billowed into the air, dramatic images showed.

A huge blast on an oil tanker in a South Korean port Saturday sparked a raging fire that spread to a nearby vessel, leaving 18 people injured, authorities said. A ball of fire shot up high above the ship and thick black smoke billowed into the air, dramatic images showed. Firefighters struggled to contain the blaze and prevent it spreading, shooting streams of water up onto the deck from beside the vessel in the southeast port of Ulsan. All 25 of those on board the Cayman Islands-flagged tanker and the 21 people on the second ship have been rescued, according to the Coast Guard. Twelve sailors and six rescue workers were injured, Yonhap news agency said, quoting local authorities. Nine of the injured were South Korean. The Russian vice-consul in Busan said the tanker crew comprised 10 Russians, including the captain, and none had been seriously injured. "Some received medical help on the spot, but no Russian has been hospitalised," said Evgeny Evdokimov, quoted by the Russian news agency Tass. "There were no repairs or loading operations underway on the ship at the time of the explosion. It is obviously something in the cargo that caused the explosion and the fire," he said. The Coast Guard said the cause of the blast was being investigated.

Fire on oil tankers at South Korean port injures eighteen

Iran said on Tuesday that <a href="wionews.com/world/iranian-state-tv-shows-smuggled-fuel-aboard-a-seized-foreign-oil-tanker-240680">Britain might free its oil tanker</a> Grace 1 soon in a maritime saga that has exacerbated frictions between Tehran and the West.

But a source for the government of British Mediterranean territory Gibraltar, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/captain-of-iranian-tanker-seized-in-gibraltar-accuse-royal-marines-of-brute-force-239560">marines seized the tanker on July 4</a> on suspicion of violating European sanctions by taking oil to Syria, denied an Iranian report that could happen on Tuesday.

Tehran has denied its vessel was doing anything improper and in retaliation, it's Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged Stena Impero tanker in the Strait of Hormuz waterway on July 19 for alleged marine violations.

The deputy head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation, Jalil Eslami, said in remarks reported by state news agency IRNA that Britain was thinking of freeing the Grace 1 following an exchange of documents.

"The vessel was seized based on false allegations ... it has not been freed yet," Eslami said.

"We hope the release will take place soon."

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, quoting unidentified Gibraltar authorities, said the tanker would be freed by Tuesday evening. A senior Gibraltarian government source said that was not correct, though earlier the territory had said it was seeking the de-escalate the situation.

The tankers' affair has added to worsening hostilities since Washington pulled out of an international agreement curbing Iran's nuclear programme and reimposed economic sanctions

Iran said on Tuesday that Britain might free its oil tanker Grace 1 soon in a maritime saga that has exacerbated frictions between Tehran and the West. But a source for the government of British Mediterranean territory Gibraltar, where marines seized the tanker on July 4 on suspicion of violating European sanctions by taking oil to Syria, denied an Iranian report that could happen on Tuesday.

Iran said on Tuesday that Britain might free its oil tanker Grace 1 soon in a maritime saga that has exacerbated frictions between Tehran and the West. But a source for the government of British Mediterranean territory Gibraltar, where marines seized the tanker on July 4 on suspicion of violating European sanctions by taking oil to Syria, denied an Iranian report that could happen on Tuesday. Tehran has denied its vessel was doing anything improper and in retaliation, it's Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged Stena Impero tanker in the Strait of Hormuz waterway on July 19 for alleged marine violations. The deputy head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation, Jalil Eslami, said in remarks reported by state news agency IRNA that Britain was thinking of freeing the Grace 1 following an exchange of documents. "The vessel was seized based on false allegations ... it has not been freed yet," Eslami said. "We hope the release will take place soon." Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, quoting unidentified Gibraltar authorities, said the tanker would be freed by Tuesday evening. A senior Gibraltarian government source said that was not correct, though earlier the territory had said it was seeking the de-escalate the situation. The tankers' affair has added to worsening hostilities since Washington pulled out of an international agreement curbing Iran's nuclear programme and reimposed economic sanctions

Iran says Britain might free oil tanker soon; Gibraltar government source denies claim

All crew members of a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indians-among-23-crew-members-on-british-tanker-seized-by-iran-237206"> British-flagged tanker that Iran seized</a> on Friday are safe and still on the vessel, the Iranian embassy in India said on Monday.

The seizure of the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz - the world's most important waterway for the oil trade - has deepened a crisis between Tehran and the West that was triggered in May when Washington tightened sanctions, effectively barring all countries from buying Iranian oil.

"All the crew members including the Indian nationals are in good health, they are still on board the tanker," the embassy said.

Eighteen of the Stena Impero's 23-strong crew are Indian nationals, Iranian authorities said previously.

Watch Video:

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The family of one of them - 26-year-old mess worker Dijo Pappachen, who joined the vessel just a month ago - said the company operating the tanker had told them about the sequestration on Friday.

"Neither has Dijo contacted the family nor could we contact him after the tanker was captured," his tearful father Pappachen T.V. said in their hometown of Kochi in southern India.

Britain called on Iran on Monday to release the tanker and its crew immediately, describing the seizure as illegal.

European countries including Britain have stuck with the nuclear pact that Iran signed with world powers in 2015 since the United States pulled out three years later.

But the pact is now hanging by a thread and Britain was thrust more directly into the confrontation on July 4, when its Royal Marines seized an Iranian tanker, the Grace 1, off the coast of Gibraltar. Britain accused it of violating sanctions against Syria, prompting repeated Iranian threats of retaliation.

Grace 1 also had Indian crew, who are now in British custody.

The brother of that ship's junior officer K. K. Ajmal informed from their hometown in Malappuram in southern Kerala state that they exchanged voice notes via social media on Sunday.

Mohammed Shareef said his 27-year-old brother told him the captain and the engineer were separated from the rest of the crew once British commandos took over the vessel.

Ajmal said he and the other crew were getting food, water and other essentials.

He said the ship was sailing from the port of Fujairah with 300,000 metric tons of crude oil when British commandos forced it to stop and came aboard in 10 helicopters, Shareef quoted his brother as saying.

All crew members of a British-flagged tanker that Iran seized on Friday are safe and still on the vessel, the Iranian embassy in India said on Monday. The seizure of the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz - the world's most important waterway for the oil trade - has deepened a crisis between Tehran and the West that was triggered in May when Washington tightened sanctions, effectively barring all countries from buying Iranian oil.

All crew members of a British-flagged tanker that Iran seized on Friday are safe and still on the vessel, the Iranian embassy in India said on Monday. The seizure of the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz - the world's most important waterway for the oil trade - has deepened a crisis between Tehran and the West that was triggered in May when Washington tightened sanctions, effectively barring all countries from buying Iranian oil. "All the crew members including the Indian nationals are in good health, they are still on board the tanker," the embassy said. Eighteen of the Stena Impero's 23-strong crew are Indian nationals, Iranian authorities said previously. Watch Video: The family of one of them - 26-year-old mess worker Dijo Pappachen, who joined the vessel just a month ago - said the company operating the tanker had told them about the sequestration on Friday. "Neither has Dijo contacted the family nor could we contact him after the tanker was captured," his tearful father Pappachen T.V. said in their hometown of Kochi in southern India. Britain called on Iran on Monday to release the tanker and its crew immediately, describing the seizure as illegal. European countries including Britain have stuck with the nuclear pact that Iran signed with world powers in 2015 since the United States pulled out three years later. But the pact is now hanging by a thread and Britain was thrust more directly into the confrontation on July 4, when its Royal Marines seized an Iranian tanker, the Grace 1, off the coast of Gibraltar. Britain accused it of violating sanctions against Syria, prompting repeated Iranian threats of retaliation. Grace 1 also had Indian crew, who are now in British custody. The brother of that ship's junior officer K. K. Ajmal informed from their hometown in Malappuram in southern Kerala state that they exchanged voice notes via social media on Sunday. Mohammed Shareef said his 27-year-old brother told him the captain and the engineer were separated from the rest of the crew once British commandos took over the vessel. Ajmal said he and the other crew were getting food, water and other essentials. He said the ship was sailing from the port of Fujairah with 300,000 metric tons of crude oil when British commandos forced it to stop and came aboard in 10 helicopters, Shareef quoted his brother as saying.

All crew members including Indian nationals on seized British-flagged tanker in good health: Iran embassy

Iran has seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf of accusations that it was smuggling oil with the crew of 12 people. Watch the full video to know more.

Iran seizes foreign oil tanker in Gulf

Iran has seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf of accusations that it was smuggling oil with the crew of 12 people. Watch full video to know more.

Iranian forces seize foreign oil tanker in Gulf

Abbas Araqchi clarifies oil tanker wasn't Syria-Bound

Iran Denies Syria-Bound Tanker Charges

UK intercepted the super oil tanker at Gibraltar. Gibraltar is a UK territory in Spain's southern tip. Iran says the seizure of grace 1 is illegal. Iran calls the act a 'Form of Piracy'. Watch this video to know more.

UK detains oil tanker headed to Syria

Iran summoned the British ambassador in Tehran over the "illegal seizure" of an Iranian oil tanker in Gibraltar on Thursday. British Royal Marines seized an oil tanker in Gibraltar on Thursday accused of bringing oil to Syria in violation of EU sanctions, a dramatic step that could escalate confrontation between the West and Iran.

Iran summons British envoy for 'illegal seizure' of an Iranian oil tanker

An Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander threatened on Friday to seize a British ship in retaliation for the capture of an Iranian supertanker by Royal Marines in Gibraltar.

"If Britain does not release the Iranian oil tanker, it is the authorities' duty to seize a British oil tanker," Mohsen Rezai said on Twitter.

The Gibraltar government said the crew on board the supertanker Grace 1 were being interviewed as witnesses, not criminal suspects, in an effort to establish the nature of the cargo and its ultimate destination.

British Royal Marines abseiled onto the ship off the coast of the British territory on Thursday and seized it over accusations it was breaking sanctions by taking oil to Syria. They landed a helicopter on the moving vessel in pitch darkness.

The move escalates a confrontation between Iran and the West just weeks after the United States called off air strikes minutes before impact, and draws Washington's close ally into a crisis in which European powers had striven to appear neutral.

Tehran summoned the British ambassador on Thursday to voice "its very strong objection to the illegal and unacceptable seizure" of its ship, a move that also eliminated doubt about the ownership of the vessel.

Thin line

Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said the crude oil cargo was from Iran. The ship's paperwork had said the oil was from neighbouring Iraq, but tracking data reviewed by Reuters suggested it had loaded at an Iranian port.

European countries have walked a thin line since last year when the United States ignored their pleas and pulled out of a pact between Iran and world powers that gave Tehran access to global trade in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Over the past two months, Washington has sharply tightened sanctions against Tehran with the aim of halting its oil exports altogether. The moves have largely driven Iran from mainstream markets and forced it to find unconventional ways to sell crude.

The confrontation has taken on a military dimension in recent weeks, with Washington accusing Iran of attacking ships in the Gulf and Iran shooting down a U.S. drone. President Donald Trump ordered, then cancelled, retaliatory strikes.

With nuclear diplomacy at the heart of the crisis, Iran announced this week it had amassed more fissile material than allowed under its deal, and said it would purify uranium to a higher degree than permitted from July 7.

The Grace 1 was impounded in the British territory on the southern tip of Spain after sailing the long way around Africa from the Middle East to the mouth of the Mediterranean, a route that demonstrates the unusual steps Iran appears to be taking to try to keep some exports flowing.

"Warning the Iranians"

The Gibraltar spokesman said the 28-member crew, who have remained on board the supertanker, were mainly Indians with some Pakistanis and Ukrainians. Police and customs officials remained on board the vessel to carry out their investigation, but the Royal Marines were no longer present.

While the European Union has not followed the United States in imposing broad sanctions against Iran, it has had measures in place since 2011 that prohibit sales of oil to Syria.

Gibraltar said on Friday it had obtained an order extending the detention of the supertanker by 14 days because there were grounds to believe it was breaking sanctions by taking crude oil to Syria.

Shipping experts say it may have been avoiding the more direct route through the Suez Canal, where a big tanker would typically be required to unload part of its cargo into a pipeline to cross, potentially exposing it to seizure.

Olivier Dorgans, an economic sanctions expert at Hughes Hubbard &amp; Reed law firm in Paris, said the British move appeared intended to send a warning to the Iranians that if they pushed on with their nuclear breaches, European countries would act:

"This was done for political effect. The British are warning the Iranians."

An Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander threatened on Friday to seize a British ship in retaliation for the capture of an Iranian supertanker by Royal Marines in Gibraltar.

An Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander threatened on Friday to seize a British ship in retaliation for the capture of an Iranian supertanker by Royal Marines in Gibraltar. "If Britain does not release the Iranian oil tanker, it is the authorities' duty to seize a British oil tanker," Mohsen Rezai said on Twitter. The Gibraltar government said the crew on board the supertanker Grace 1 were being interviewed as witnesses, not criminal suspects, in an effort to establish the nature of the cargo and its ultimate destination. British Royal Marines abseiled onto the ship off the coast of the British territory on Thursday and seized it over accusations it was breaking sanctions by taking oil to Syria. They landed a helicopter on the moving vessel in pitch darkness. The move escalates a confrontation between Iran and the West just weeks after the United States called off air strikes minutes before impact, and draws Washington's close ally into a crisis in which European powers had striven to appear neutral. Tehran summoned the British ambassador on Thursday to voice "its very strong objection to the illegal and unacceptable seizure" of its ship, a move that also eliminated doubt about the ownership of the vessel. Thin line Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said the crude oil cargo was from Iran. The ship's paperwork had said the oil was from neighbouring Iraq, but tracking data reviewed by Reuters suggested it had loaded at an Iranian port. European countries have walked a thin line since last year when the United States ignored their pleas and pulled out of a pact between Iran and world powers that gave Tehran access to global trade in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. Over the past two months, Washington has sharply tightened sanctions against Tehran with the aim of halting its oil exports altogether. The moves have largely driven Iran from mainstream markets and forced it to find unconventional ways to sell crude. The confrontation has taken on a military dimension in recent weeks, with Washington accusing Iran of attacking ships in the Gulf and Iran shooting down a U.S. drone. President Donald Trump ordered, then cancelled, retaliatory strikes. With nuclear diplomacy at the heart of the crisis, Iran announced this week it had amassed more fissile material than allowed under its deal, and said it would purify uranium to a higher degree than permitted from July 7. The Grace 1 was impounded in the British territory on the southern tip of Spain after sailing the long way around Africa from the Middle East to the mouth of the Mediterranean, a route that demonstrates the unusual steps Iran appears to be taking to try to keep some exports flowing. "Warning the Iranians" The Gibraltar spokesman said the 28-member crew, who have remained on board the supertanker, were mainly Indians with some Pakistanis and Ukrainians. Police and customs officials remained on board the vessel to carry out their investigation, but the Royal Marines were no longer present. While the European Union has not followed the United States in imposing broad sanctions against Iran, it has had measures in place since 2011 that prohibit sales of oil to Syria. Gibraltar said on Friday it had obtained an order extending the detention of the supertanker by 14 days because there were grounds to believe it was breaking sanctions by taking crude oil to Syria. Shipping experts say it may have been avoiding the more direct route through the Suez Canal, where a big tanker would typically be required to unload part of its cargo into a pipeline to cross, potentially exposing it to seizure. Olivier Dorgans, an economic sanctions expert at Hughes Hubbard & Reed law firm in Paris, said the British move appeared intended to send a warning to the Iranians that if they pushed on with their nuclear breaches, European countries would act: "This was done for political effect. The British are warning the Iranians."

Iran threatens British shipping in retaliation for tanker seizure

British Royal Marines detained the supertanker on suspicion of carrying crude oil to Syria. Watch this video to know more.

UK detains Iranian oil tanker headed to Syria

Iran on Thursday condemned the "illegal interception" of one of its oil tankers in Gibraltar where authorities said they suspected it was carrying crude to Syria in violation of EU sanctions.

The detention of the 330 metre (1,000 feet) Grace 1 vessel comes at a sensitive time in Iran-EU ties as the bloc mulls how to respond to Tehran announcing it will breach the maximum uranium enrichment level it agreed in a 2015 nuclear deal.

The tanker was halted in the early hours of Thursday by police and customs agencies in Gibraltar, a tiny overseas British territory on Spain's southern tip.

They were aided by a detachment of British Royal Marines.

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The ship was detained 2.5 miles (four kilometres) south of Gibraltar in what it considers British waters, although Spain, which lays claim to the territory, says they are Spanish.&nbsp;

It was boarded when it slowed down in a designated area used by shipping agencies to ferry goods to vessels.

"We have reason to believe that the 'Grace 1' was carrying its shipment of crude oil to the Banyas Refinery in Syria," Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said in a statement.

"That refinery is the property of an entity that is subject to European Union sanctions against Syria.

"We have detained the vessel and its cargo," Picardo said.

Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell told reporters the vessel was detained at the request of the United States.

Picardo said he had "written this morning to the Presidents of the European Commission and Council, setting out the details of the sanctions which we have enforced".

In a statement, Britain's foreign office said "we welcome this firm action by the Gibraltarian authorities, acting to enforce the EU Syria Sanctions regime".

EU notified&nbsp;

European Union sanctions against war-torn Syria have been in force since late 2011.

The 28-member bloc has imposed sanctions on Syrian officials including government ministers over their role in the "violent repression" of civilians.

It has frozen the assets of around 70 entities and introduced an embargo on Syrian oil, investment restrictions and a freeze on Syrian central bank assets within the European Union.

According to specialised shipping trade publication Lloyd's List, which analysed vessel-tracking data, the 1997-built ship is laden with Iranian oil, the first such tanker to head for Europe since late 2018.

It reported that the ship loaded oil off Iran in April and sailed around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

The tanker detention comes just days after Iran announced it would exceed the uranium enrichment limit set up as part of the 2015 deal to avoid it building up to the level required for a nuclear warhead.

Iran did this in response to Washington abandoning the nuclear deal last year and hitting Iran's crucial oil exports and financial transactions with biting sanctions.

Iran on Thursday condemned the "illegal interception" of one of its oil tankers in Gibraltar where authorities said they suspected it was carrying crude to Syria in violation of EU sanctions.

Iran on Thursday condemned the "illegal interception" of one of its oil tankers in Gibraltar where authorities said they suspected it was carrying crude to Syria in violation of EU sanctions. The detention of the 330 metre (1,000 feet) Grace 1 vessel comes at a sensitive time in Iran-EU ties as the bloc mulls how to respond to Tehran announcing it will breach the maximum uranium enrichment level it agreed in a 2015 nuclear deal. The tanker was halted in the early hours of Thursday by police and customs agencies in Gibraltar, a tiny overseas British territory on Spain's southern tip. They were aided by a detachment of British Royal Marines. × The ship was detained 2.5 miles (four kilometres) south of Gibraltar in what it considers British waters, although Spain, which lays claim to the territory, says they are Spanish. It was boarded when it slowed down in a designated area used by shipping agencies to ferry goods to vessels. "We have reason to believe that the 'Grace 1' was carrying its shipment of crude oil to the Banyas Refinery in Syria," Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said in a statement. "That refinery is the property of an entity that is subject to European Union sanctions against Syria. "We have detained the vessel and its cargo," Picardo said. Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell told reporters the vessel was detained at the request of the United States. Picardo said he had "written this morning to the Presidents of the European Commission and Council, setting out the details of the sanctions which we have enforced". In a statement, Britain's foreign office said "we welcome this firm action by the Gibraltarian authorities, acting to enforce the EU Syria Sanctions regime". EU notified European Union sanctions against war-torn Syria have been in force since late 2011. The 28-member bloc has imposed sanctions on Syrian officials including government ministers over their role in the "violent repression" of civilians. It has frozen the assets of around 70 entities and introduced an embargo on Syrian oil, investment restrictions and a freeze on Syrian central bank assets within the European Union. According to specialised shipping trade publication Lloyd's List, which analysed vessel-tracking data, the 1997-built ship is laden with Iranian oil, the first such tanker to head for Europe since late 2018. It reported that the ship loaded oil off Iran in April and sailed around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. The tanker detention comes just days after Iran announced it would exceed the uranium enrichment limit set up as part of the 2015 deal to avoid it building up to the level required for a nuclear warhead. Iran did this in response to Washington abandoning the nuclear deal last year and hitting Iran's crucial oil exports and financial transactions with biting sanctions.

Iran condemns detention of ship, suspected of taking oil to Syria, in Gibraltar

The US Navy on Wednesday said it has collected biometric information including fingerprints from the body of one of two oil tankers that were attacked in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flying-objects-damaged-japanese-tanker-during-attack-in-gulf-of-oman-kokuka-sangyo-co-president-227084">Gulf of Oman last week.</a>

Displaying the fragments of limpet mines that the US Navy said had been used to attack the Japanese-owned '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanker-attacks-in-gulf-of-oman-stoke-security-and-oil-fears-226939">Kokuka Courageous' tanker</a>, near the UAE port of Fujairah today, Commander Sean Kido from the Naval Forces Central Command said that the devices bore a "striking resemblance" to the Iranian ones, The New York Post reported.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/limpet-mine-used-in-oil-tanker-attack-resembled-iranian-mines-us-navy-228762">The limpet mine</a> that was used in the attack is distinguishable and also strikingly bearing a resemblance to Iranian mines that have already been publicly displayed in Iranian military parades," Kido said.

The Commander also showed small fragments alleged to have been removed from the Japanese-owned 'Kokuka Courageous' tanker.

In addition, a magnet purportedly left by a team from Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) was also displayed during the media briefing.

The US military had previously released images it said showed the IRGC removing an unexploded limpet mine from the Kokuka Courageous, which was hit by explosions along with the Norwegian-owned Front Altair ship on June 13.

However, Tehran has denied any involvement in the attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil supplies, but the incidents have sparked fears of a broader confrontation in the Gulf region.

The company that owns the Kokuka Courageous has said the vessel was damaged by two "flying objects."

Kido said, "The damage at the blast hole is consistent with a limpet mine attack, it is not consistent with an external flying object striking the ship," adding that nail holes indicated how the mine was attached to the hull.

He also stated that the fingerprints from the hull would help in building a criminal case, apparently in reference to Iran.

The Commander added that Washington is working with regional partners on a "joint and combined investigation," but declined to name the countries involved.

The attack on the oil tankers came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran after President Donald Trump announced the deployment of an aircraft carrier and bombers to the Middle East and sent additional troops to the Arabian Gulf region.

On its part, Iran recently has quadrupled its production of low-enriched uranium and threatened to boost its enrichment closer to weapons-grade levels in an attempt to pressure Europe for new terms to the 2015 nuclear deal.

The US Navy on Wednesday said it has collected biometric information including fingerprints from the body of one of two oil tankers that were attacked in the Gulf of Oman last week.

The US Navy on Wednesday said it has collected biometric information including fingerprints from the body of one of two oil tankers that were attacked in the Gulf of Oman last week. Displaying the fragments of limpet mines that the US Navy said had been used to attack the Japanese-owned 'Kokuka Courageous' tanker, near the UAE port of Fujairah today, Commander Sean Kido from the Naval Forces Central Command said that the devices bore a "striking resemblance" to the Iranian ones, The New York Post reported. "The limpet mine that was used in the attack is distinguishable and also strikingly bearing a resemblance to Iranian mines that have already been publicly displayed in Iranian military parades," Kido said. The Commander also showed small fragments alleged to have been removed from the Japanese-owned 'Kokuka Courageous' tanker. In addition, a magnet purportedly left by a team from Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) was also displayed during the media briefing. The US military had previously released images it said showed the IRGC removing an unexploded limpet mine from the Kokuka Courageous, which was hit by explosions along with the Norwegian-owned Front Altair ship on June 13. However, Tehran has denied any involvement in the attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil supplies, but the incidents have sparked fears of a broader confrontation in the Gulf region. The company that owns the Kokuka Courageous has said the vessel was damaged by two "flying objects." Kido said, "The damage at the blast hole is consistent with a limpet mine attack, it is not consistent with an external flying object striking the ship," adding that nail holes indicated how the mine was attached to the hull. He also stated that the fingerprints from the hull would help in building a criminal case, apparently in reference to Iran. The Commander added that Washington is working with regional partners on a "joint and combined investigation," but declined to name the countries involved. The attack on the oil tankers came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran after President Donald Trump announced the deployment of an aircraft carrier and bombers to the Middle East and sent additional troops to the Arabian Gulf region. On its part, Iran recently has quadrupled its production of low-enriched uranium and threatened to boost its enrichment closer to weapons-grade levels in an attempt to pressure Europe for new terms to the 2015 nuclear deal.

United States army recovers finger prints from Japanese oil tanker attacked in Gulf of Oman

The United States Navy on Wednesday said the damage to the Japanese-owned Kokuka Courageous oil tanker "is consistent with a limpet mine attack." Video footage recorded by Reuters on a trip organised by US naval authorities showed a hole in the hull of the Japanese-owned Kokuka Courageous oil tanker, as it lay moored off the coast of Fujairah, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Damage to tanker 'consistent with limpet mine attack' - US Navy

The US military on Thursday released a video it said showed Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) removing an unexploded mine from the side of one of the two oil tankers attacked earlier in the day.

US releases video it says shows Iran's military recovering tanker mine

As the blame game continued over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sophisticated-tanker-attacks-likely-the-work-of-a-state-actor-uae-225109">tanker explosions in the Gulf of Oman</a>, Iran President Rouhani slammed the US during his speech at the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-behind-tanker-attack-in-gulf-of-oman-us-acting-ambassador-jonathan-cohen-226968">US government</a> over the last two years, violating all the international structures and rules and using its economic, financial and military resources, has taken an aggressive approach and presents a serious risk to stability in the region and the world," Rouhani said, in translated comments, at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

The two tankers, one Norwegian- and one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flying-objects-damaged-japanese-tanker-during-attack-in-gulf-of-oman-kokuka-sangyo-co-president-227084">Japanese-owned</a>, were set ablaze in the Gulf of Oman off the coast of Iran on Thursday, escalating tensions across the region and sending world oil prices soaring.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said earlier&nbsp;that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/received-distress-calls-from-two-tankers-under-attack-in-gulf-of-oman-us-fifth-fleet-226781">Iran </a>was responsible for the attack that occurred in the Gulf of Oman.

"This assessment is based on intelligence, the weapons used, the level of expertise needed to execute the operation, recent similar Iranian attacks on shipping," Pompeo said.

US military tried to back up Pompeo's claim asserting&nbsp;that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp Gashti Class patrol boat approached the Kokuka Courageous "and was observed and recorded removing (an) unexploded limpet mine from the M/T Kokuka Courageous."&nbsp;

The US also released a video of the incident.

The United Arab Emirates said Friday that twin attacks on tankers in the Sea of Oman just weeks after four ships were damaged off the UAE coast marked a dangerous escalation".

"The attack against the tankers in the Gulf of Oman is a worrying development and a dangerous escalation," the UAE minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif charged that the US administration had "immediately jumped to make allegations against Iran without a shred of factual or circumstantial evidence".

He accused it of seeking to "sabotage diplomacy" as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Tehran in a bid to ease Iran-US tensions.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the blame game continued over tanker explosions in the Gulf of Oman, Iran President Rouhani slammed the US during his speech at the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

As the blame game continued over tanker explosions in the Gulf of Oman, Iran President Rouhani slammed the US during his speech at the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. "The US government over the last two years, violating all the international structures and rules and using its economic, financial and military resources, has taken an aggressive approach and presents a serious risk to stability in the region and the world," Rouhani said, in translated comments, at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The two tankers, one Norwegian- and one Japanese-owned, were set ablaze in the Gulf of Oman off the coast of Iran on Thursday, escalating tensions across the region and sending world oil prices soaring. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said earlier that Iran was responsible for the attack that occurred in the Gulf of Oman. "This assessment is based on intelligence, the weapons used, the level of expertise needed to execute the operation, recent similar Iranian attacks on shipping," Pompeo said. US military tried to back up Pompeo's claim asserting that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp Gashti Class patrol boat approached the Kokuka Courageous "and was observed and recorded removing (an) unexploded limpet mine from the M/T Kokuka Courageous." The US also released a video of the incident. The United Arab Emirates said Friday that twin attacks on tankers in the Sea of Oman just weeks after four ships were damaged off the UAE coast marked a dangerous escalation". "The attack against the tankers in the Gulf of Oman is a worrying development and a dangerous escalation," the UAE minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif charged that the US administration had "immediately jumped to make allegations against Iran without a shred of factual or circumstantial evidence". He accused it of seeking to "sabotage diplomacy" as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Tehran in a bid to ease Iran-US tensions. (With inputs from agencies)

US 'serious threat to global stability': Iran President Hassan Rouhani at SCO summit

Pirates have freed all 22 Indians from the oil tanker &quot;Marine Express&quot; in the&nbsp;Gulf of Guinea.

&quot;All crew members are reported to be safe and well and the cargo remains on board,&quot; the owner of the ship Hong Kong-based Anglo-Eastern&nbsp;said in a statement.

The Marine Express tanker was missing in the Gulf of Guinea after contact was lost in Benin on Friday.

Earlier, External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had spoken to Nigeria&#39;s foreign minister Geoffrey Onyeama after fears of the tanker being hijacked.

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I am happy to inform that Merchant Ship Marine Express with 22 Indian nationals on board has been released.
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/960745926468907009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The ship had gone missing less than a month after another vessel, &quot;MT Barret&quot;, disappeared off the coast of Benin in January.

The vessel, MT Marine Express is the second ship to have lost in the recent months.&nbsp;

The Marine Express tanker was missing in the Gulf of Guinea after contact was lost in Benin on Friday.

Pirates have freed all 22 Indians from the oil tanker "Marine Express" in the Gulf of Guinea. "All crew members are reported to be safe and well and the cargo remains on board," the owner of the ship Hong Kong-based Anglo-Eastern said in a statement. The Marine Express tanker was missing in the Gulf of Guinea after contact was lost in Benin on Friday. Earlier, External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had spoken to Nigeria's foreign minister Geoffrey Onyeama after fears of the tanker being hijacked. I am happy to inform that Merchant Ship Marine Express with 22 Indian nationals on board has been released. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) February 6, 2018 × The ship had gone missing less than a month after another vessel, "MT Barret", disappeared off the coast of Benin in January. The vessel, MT Marine Express is the second ship to have lost in the recent months.

Pirates free 22 Indians in Marine Express oil tanker in Gulf of Guinea

Search operations are underway for the Panama-flag merchant ship, &quot;Marine Express&quot; with 22 Indian crew members which went missing from Benin coast in South Africa on Thursday.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took to Twitter to inform that she has spoken with Foreign Minister of Nigeria Geoffrey Onyeama and he assured to provide all the possible help.

&quot;I have just spoken to Foreign Minister of Nigeria regarding missing Merchant Ship with 22 Indian nationals on board. Hon&#39;ble Foreign Minister of Nigeria has promised all help and assistance in locating the missing ship. We have set up a Helpline no.(+234)9070343860,&quot; Swaraj tweeted.

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I have just spoken to Foreign Minister of Nigeria regarding missing Merchant Ship with 22 Indian nationals on board. Hon&#39;ble Foreign Minister of Nigeria has promised all help and assistance in locating the missing ship. We have set up a Helpline no.(+234)9070343860.
&mdash; Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/960551558961233920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The ship has gone missing less than a month after another vessel, &quot;MT Barret&quot;, disappeared off the coast of Benin in January, and was later confirmed to have been hijacked. The 22 crew of &quot;MT Barret&quot;, most of whom were Indians, were reportedly released after a ransom was paid.

The agent for the ship &quot;Marine Express&quot;, Mumbai-based Anglo-Eastern said on Twitter on Friday that &ldquo;contact has been lost with the AE-managed MT Marine Express while at Cotonou, Benin. Last contact was on February 1. Authorities have been alerted and are responding.&rdquo;

The owners of the tanker, which was loaded with gas oil, have urged the Directorate General of Shipping in Mumbai to get in touch with their counterparts in Nigeria and Benin to carry out search operations for the merchant ship.

The vessel, MT Marine Express is the second ship to have lost in the recent months. The Ship was owned by Hong Kong-based Anglo Eastern Ship Management.&nbsp;

The vessel, MT Marine Express is the second ship to have lost in the recent months. The Ship was owned by Hong Kong-based Anglo Eastern Ship Management. The last contact with the ship was made on February 1.

Search operations are underway for the Panama-flag merchant ship, "Marine Express" with 22 Indian crew members which went missing from Benin coast in South Africa on Thursday. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took to Twitter to inform that she has spoken with Foreign Minister of Nigeria Geoffrey Onyeama and he assured to provide all the possible help. "I have just spoken to Foreign Minister of Nigeria regarding missing Merchant Ship with 22 Indian nationals on board. Hon'ble Foreign Minister of Nigeria has promised all help and assistance in locating the missing ship. We have set up a Helpline no.(+234)9070343860," Swaraj tweeted. I have just spoken to Foreign Minister of Nigeria regarding missing Merchant Ship with 22 Indian nationals on board. Hon'ble Foreign Minister of Nigeria has promised all help and assistance in locating the missing ship. We have set up a Helpline no.(+234)9070343860. — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) February 5, 2018 × The ship has gone missing less than a month after another vessel, "MT Barret", disappeared off the coast of Benin in January, and was later confirmed to have been hijacked. The 22 crew of "MT Barret", most of whom were Indians, were reportedly released after a ransom was paid. The agent for the ship "Marine Express", Mumbai-based Anglo-Eastern said on Twitter on Friday that “contact has been lost with the AE-managed MT Marine Express while at Cotonou, Benin. Last contact was on February 1. Authorities have been alerted and are responding.” The owners of the tanker, which was loaded with gas oil, have urged the Directorate General of Shipping in Mumbai to get in touch with their counterparts in Nigeria and Benin to carry out search operations for the merchant ship. The vessel, MT Marine Express is the second ship to have lost in the recent months. The Ship was owned by Hong Kong-based Anglo Eastern Ship Management.

Indian oil tanker missing feared hijacked, Swaraj seeks help from Nigeria

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