The US Navy is deploying advanced underwater drones to clear Iranian sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Guarded by destroyers, these robotic vehicles use sonar and remote neutralisers to safely detonate explosives without risking sailors.


‘Danger below’: How the US military will clear mines without risking sailors in the Strait of Hormuz

In a remarkable feet in the oceans near Oman, the Indian Navy warship INS Teg has rescued 9 sailors including eight Indians and one Sri Lankan who were on board the Comoros-flagged oil tanker that had capsized on July 15. The vessel had a total of thirteen Indians onboard.

Indian Navy rescues 9 sailors after oil tanker capsized off Oman

Indian Navy rescued the crew members of a Barbados-flagged ship that came under the attack of a Houthi missile. The ship caught fire in the Gulf of Aden, three of its crew members died, and the rest were forced to abandon the ship and take refuge in life rafts. Indian Navy's INS Kolkata reached the scene and rescued 21 crew members, including one Indian national.

Gravitas | Red Sea War: Indian Navy's daring operation saves sailors of missile-hit ship

Two US Navy sailors were arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive military information with China.

The sailors— 22-year-old Jinchao Wei and 26-year-old Wenhen Zhao— were arrested on Wednesday (Aug 2), federal officials said on Thursday.

According to officials, they provided sensitive details on wartime exercises, naval operations and critical technical material.

While Wei was charged for espionage involving conspiracy to send national defence information to Chinese officials, Zhao was accused of taking bribes in exchange for giving sensitive US military photos and videos to a Chinese intelligence officer between August 2021 and May this year.

<h2>Sensitive military info ended up in China's hands</h2>

Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen at a press conference in San Diego said the “sensitive military info ended up in the hands of the People’s Republic of China.”

"There is no bigger, multi-generational threat to the United States than from the government of the People's Republic of China, the PRC, and the Chinese Communist Party," said Stacey Moy, the FBI special agent in charge of the San Diego Field Office.

"The PRC will stop at nothing to attack the United States in its strategic plan to become the world's sole superpower."

However, the officers did not disclose whether there was any connection between the two arrests or if they were in touch with the same Chinese intelligence officer.

According to the Justice Department, Wei came in contact with a Chinese government intelligence officer in February 2022, and provided photographs and videos of the ship he served on.

<h2>Rarely used statute invoked&nbsp;</h2>

The details he provided included technical and mechanical manuals as well as details about the number and training of Marines during an upcoming exercise.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-one-dead-and-several-injured-in-stabbing-incident-near-seoul-622083">South Korea: One reported dead, several hurt in stabbing incident near Seoul</a>

As a result, Wei was charged Espionage Act statute, a rarely used law that makes it a crime to gather or deliver information to aid a foreign government.

Federal officials allege Wei was paid thousands of dollars for sharing the information.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-forces-failed-to-make-headway-along-front-lines-claims-ukraine-after-a-night-of-drone-attacks-621946">Russian forces failed to make headway along frontlines, claims Ukraine</a>

The second sailor, Zhao, is accused of sharing information, including operational plans for a US military exercise in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Prosecutors say Zhao also surreptitiously recorded information that he handed over, AP news agency reports.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Two US Navy sailors were arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive military information with China. The sailors— 22-year-old Jinchao Wei and 26-year-old Wenhen Zhao— were arrested on Wednesday (Aug 2), federal officials said on Thursday.

Two US Navy sailors were arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive military information with China. The sailors— 22-year-old Jinchao Wei and 26-year-old Wenhen Zhao— were arrested on Wednesday (Aug 2), federal officials said on Thursday. According to officials, they provided sensitive details on wartime exercises, naval operations and critical technical material. While Wei was charged for espionage involving conspiracy to send national defence information to Chinese officials, Zhao was accused of taking bribes in exchange for giving sensitive US military photos and videos to a Chinese intelligence officer between August 2021 and May this year. Sensitive military info ended up in China's hands Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen at a press conference in San Diego said the “sensitive military info ended up in the hands of the People’s Republic of China.” "There is no bigger, multi-generational threat to the United States than from the government of the People's Republic of China, the PRC, and the Chinese Communist Party," said Stacey Moy, the FBI special agent in charge of the San Diego Field Office. "The PRC will stop at nothing to attack the United States in its strategic plan to become the world's sole superpower." However, the officers did not disclose whether there was any connection between the two arrests or if they were in touch with the same Chinese intelligence officer. According to the Justice Department, Wei came in contact with a Chinese government intelligence officer in February 2022, and provided photographs and videos of the ship he served on. Rarely used statute invoked The details he provided included technical and mechanical manuals as well as details about the number and training of Marines during an upcoming exercise. Also read | South Korea: One reported dead, several hurt in stabbing incident near Seoul As a result, Wei was charged Espionage Act statute, a rarely used law that makes it a crime to gather or deliver information to aid a foreign government. Federal officials allege Wei was paid thousands of dollars for sharing the information. Also read | Russian forces failed to make headway along frontlines, claims Ukraine The second sailor, Zhao, is accused of sharing information, including operational plans for a US military exercise in the Indo-Pacific Region. Prosecutors say Zhao also surreptitiously recorded information that he handed over, AP news agency reports. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Two US Navy sailors arrested for sharing military secrets with China

In a remarkable turn of events, nine Indian sailors who had been held captive by Libyan rebels since January have finally been released. The crew, consisting of nine Indian sailors recruited through the Greek company M/s Redwings Shipping SA, had been aboard the ship named Maya-1, flying the flag of Cameroon, when it suffered a breakdown near the coast of Libya and was stranded offshore in the Janzour Area. The sailors were subsequently taken into captivity by Az Zawiya, a local armed group near Al Maya Port in Zawia city.

The successful release of the sailors can be attributed to the key role played by two individuals, namely Tabassum Mansoor, the Principal of the Indian International School in Benghazi, and Ngulkham Jathom Gangte, the Ambassador of India to Tunisia.

Ambassador Gangte praised the contribution of Tabassum Mansoor.

"From Tripoli, whatever efforts we exerted, it did not make any progress. Ultimately, the idea was to call Mrs. Tabassum for assistance. Today, I would like to fully acknowledge the contribution of Mrs. Tabassum in the release of the nine Indians; it was through her contacts in the House of Representatives, and she personally came and met them," said the ambassador.

Tabassum Mansoor, known for her unwavering dedication to the welfare of Indian nationals in Libya, utilised her extensive network and connections to navigate the complex web of negotiations with the rebel group. Her contacts in the House of Representatives proved invaluable in securing the release of the sailors.

The Indian ambassador emphasised the arduous journey undertaken to secure the freedom of the sailors. The news of the sailors' release brings relief not only to their families but also to the entire Indian community in Libya. The nine sailors, who endured months of captivity and uncertainty, will now be able to reunite with their loved ones.

In a remarkable turn of events, nine Indian sailors who had been held captive by Libyan rebels since January have finally been released. The crew, consisting of nine Indian sailors recruited through the Greek company M/s Redwings Shipping SA, had been aboard the ship named Maya-1, flying the flag of Cameroon, when it suffered a breakdown near the coast of Libya and was stranded offshore in the Janzour Area.

In a remarkable turn of events, nine Indian sailors who had been held captive by Libyan rebels since January have finally been released. The crew, consisting of nine Indian sailors recruited through the Greek company M/s Redwings Shipping SA, had been aboard the ship named Maya-1, flying the flag of Cameroon, when it suffered a breakdown near the coast of Libya and was stranded offshore in the Janzour Area. The sailors were subsequently taken into captivity by Az Zawiya, a local armed group near Al Maya Port in Zawia city. The successful release of the sailors can be attributed to the key role played by two individuals, namely Tabassum Mansoor, the Principal of the Indian International School in Benghazi, and Ngulkham Jathom Gangte, the Ambassador of India to Tunisia. Ambassador Gangte praised the contribution of Tabassum Mansoor. "From Tripoli, whatever efforts we exerted, it did not make any progress. Ultimately, the idea was to call Mrs. Tabassum for assistance. Today, I would like to fully acknowledge the contribution of Mrs. Tabassum in the release of the nine Indians; it was through her contacts in the House of Representatives, and she personally came and met them," said the ambassador. Tabassum Mansoor, known for her unwavering dedication to the welfare of Indian nationals in Libya, utilised her extensive network and connections to navigate the complex web of negotiations with the rebel group. Her contacts in the House of Representatives proved invaluable in securing the release of the sailors. The Indian ambassador emphasised the arduous journey undertaken to secure the freedom of the sailors. The news of the sailors' release brings relief not only to their families but also to the entire Indian community in Libya. The nine sailors, who endured months of captivity and uncertainty, will now be able to reunite with their loved ones.

Nine Indian sailors released from Libyan rebel custody after months in captivity

Moskva warship saga: Russia's view and Ukraine's missile theory

Amid Russia-Ukraine crisis, Ukrainian Sailors have protested and raised 'no war in Ukraine' slogans. Sailors have also blocked Russia-linked superyacht during their protest.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Ukrainian Sailors chant 'No war in Ukraine', block Russia-linked superyacht

None of the crew on the Navy combat ship USS Milwaukee who have been infected with the coronavirus have needed hospitalisation, the Guantánamo Bay base hospital said Sunday, two days after the Navy disclosed an outbreak among fully vaccinated sailors aboard the ship.

The Milwaukee departed its home port in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 14 with a crew of 105 sailors, including a Navy helicopter combat crew and a Coast Guard law enforcement unit as part of the U.S. Southern Command’s efforts to fight drug trafficking in the Caribbean. It reached Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, on Monday for a refuelling and resupply stop and extended its stay there because of the outbreak.

“Our medical and public health teams are in close contact with medical on board ship,” hospital spokesperson Dawn Grimes said Sunday. At the request of the ship, she added, the hospital was providing medical staff on board with COVID-19 vaccine booster doses “to administer to those” who want an extra shot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-lethal-virus-and-alien-invasion-here-is-what-baba-vanga-predicted-for-2022-440276">Also read |&nbsp;New lethal virus and alien invasion? Here is what Baba Vanga predicted for 2022</a>

None of the Milwaukee’s crew members were permitted to leave the ship and adjoining pier after docking at the base, Cmdr. Kate Meadows said Saturday, sparing the 6,000 residents at Guantánamo Bay the risk of being exposed. The ship held its own open-air, socially distanced Christmas service on the pier, rather than attending services at the base chapel, and chefs on board prepared a holiday meal instead of joining Guantánamo personnel for their meals.

Active-duty troops in the Army and Navy were fired this month over their refusal to get vaccinated after President Joe Biden in August mandated vaccination for the armed services. But there were only a small group of holdouts last week, with the Navy reporting that more than 98% of its members had been vaccinated.

Only 85% of the residents of the base were fully vaccinated as of Sunday, Grimes said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-minister-says-people-should-cut-on-eating-meat-to-curb-climate-crisis-440251">Also read |&nbsp;Spanish minister says people should cut on eating meat to curb climate crisis</a>

The outbreak aboard the Milwaukee is the first significant COVID-related health crisis aboard a U.S. ship sailing for the Southern Command since April 2020, when the Navy sent the USS Kidd from similar drug-interdiction operations back to San Diego with dozens of infected sailors on board. That episode occurred before the development of a vaccine.

In March 2020, one of the military’s first encounters with the virus occurred aboard the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. The ship docked in Guam, in the South Pacific, and ended up stranded there for months after dozens of sailors were infected and one died. The ship’s commander at the time sent a letter to Navy officials pleading for help tackling the outbreak and criticising the Navy’s failure to provide the proper resources. He was later removed from command of the ship.

None of the crew on the Navy combat ship USS Milwaukee who have been infected with the coronavirus have needed hospitalisation, the Guantánamo Bay base hospital said Sunday, two days after the Navy disclosed an outbreak among fully vaccinated sailors aboard the ship.

None of the crew on the Navy combat ship USS Milwaukee who have been infected with the coronavirus have needed hospitalisation, the Guantánamo Bay base hospital said Sunday, two days after the Navy disclosed an outbreak among fully vaccinated sailors aboard the ship. The Milwaukee departed its home port in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 14 with a crew of 105 sailors, including a Navy helicopter combat crew and a Coast Guard law enforcement unit as part of the U.S. Southern Command’s efforts to fight drug trafficking in the Caribbean. It reached Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, on Monday for a refuelling and resupply stop and extended its stay there because of the outbreak. “Our medical and public health teams are in close contact with medical on board ship,” hospital spokesperson Dawn Grimes said Sunday. At the request of the ship, she added, the hospital was providing medical staff on board with COVID-19 vaccine booster doses “to administer to those” who want an extra shot. Also read | New lethal virus and alien invasion? Here is what Baba Vanga predicted for 2022 None of the Milwaukee’s crew members were permitted to leave the ship and adjoining pier after docking at the base, Cmdr. Kate Meadows said Saturday, sparing the 6,000 residents at Guantánamo Bay the risk of being exposed. The ship held its own open-air, socially distanced Christmas service on the pier, rather than attending services at the base chapel, and chefs on board prepared a holiday meal instead of joining Guantánamo personnel for their meals. Active-duty troops in the Army and Navy were fired this month over their refusal to get vaccinated after President Joe Biden in August mandated vaccination for the armed services. But there were only a small group of holdouts last week, with the Navy reporting that more than 98% of its members had been vaccinated. Only 85% of the residents of the base were fully vaccinated as of Sunday, Grimes said. Also read | Spanish minister says people should cut on eating meat to curb climate crisis The outbreak aboard the Milwaukee is the first significant COVID-related health crisis aboard a U.S. ship sailing for the Southern Command since April 2020, when the Navy sent the USS Kidd from similar drug-interdiction operations back to San Diego with dozens of infected sailors on board. That episode occurred before the development of a vaccine. In March 2020, one of the military’s first encounters with the virus occurred aboard the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. The ship docked in Guam, in the South Pacific, and ended up stranded there for months after dozens of sailors were infected and one died. The ship’s commander at the time sent a letter to Navy officials pleading for help tackling the outbreak and criticising the Navy’s failure to provide the proper resources. He was later removed from command of the ship.

No sailors on a navy ship have needed hospitalisation after outbreak

The Distress Alert Transponder (DAT), an indigenous device developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in consultation with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), has saved the lives of nine Indian sailors.

The nine-crewed Mechanised Sailing Vessel (MSV) Annai Vailankanne Arockia Vennila, was stranded at the high seas and faced with on-board flooding amid rough sea conditions when it was sailing between Tuticorin (south Tamil Nadu) and the Maldives, owing to a technical snag.

The Indian Coast Guard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Chennai received the vessel’s distress message, sent via DAT by 4 pm on Tuesday. At the time of the incident, the vessel was 170 nautical miles from Tuticorin and 230 NM from the Maldives. The MRCC launched the National Search and Rescue Services and activated the International Safety Net (ISN) to coordinate the search and rescue.

Two merchant vessels - MV SKS Mosel and MC MCP Salzburg, in the region, were identified and diverted to the location of the distressed vessel.

The MV MCP Salzburg arrived at the distressed vessel in the early hours of Wednesday (2:30 a.m.) and safely rescued all nine crew members before proceeding to its next port of call (NPC) Maldives, where the rescued crew will disembark.

DATs are carried by Indian fishing boats, Mechanised Sailing Vessels, Coastal Vessels and other small vessels. The distress alert is monitored 24x7x365 by the Coast Guard MRCC at the respective regions.

Jointly developed by the ISRO and ICG, the DAT is a low-cost and effective satellite transmitter built for fishermen. At a press of a button, this device transmits distress alerts to the search and rescue authorities through the INSAT series of satellites. In case of emergency, the user can select a distress message (boat sinking/fire/medical help/other emergencies). The DAT combines the message with the boat’s position (based on GPS) and transmits the same, every few minutes, till it is switched off manually or until the battery lasts.

The Indian Coast Guard has been emphasising that fishermen must carry the DAT device and also register it for effective, timely search and rescue. The DAT unit also helps fishermen receive other information such as potential fishing zones, weather alerts, etc.&nbsp;

The Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system is one of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia-Pacific region, with multiple operational communication satellites placed in geostationary orbit. Established in 1983 with the commissioning of INSAT-1B, it initiated a major revolution in India’s communications sector and sustained the same later.

According to ISRO, the INSAT system with more than 200 transponders in the C, Extended C and Ku-bands provides services to telecommunications, television broadcasting, satellite news-gathering, societal applications, weather forecasting, disaster warning and Search and Rescue operations.

The Distress Alert Transponder (DAT), an indigenous device developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in consultation with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), has saved the lives of nine Indian sailors.

The Distress Alert Transponder (DAT), an indigenous device developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in consultation with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), has saved the lives of nine Indian sailors. The nine-crewed Mechanised Sailing Vessel (MSV) Annai Vailankanne Arockia Vennila, was stranded at the high seas and faced with on-board flooding amid rough sea conditions when it was sailing between Tuticorin (south Tamil Nadu) and the Maldives, owing to a technical snag. The Indian Coast Guard’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Chennai received the vessel’s distress message, sent via DAT by 4 pm on Tuesday. At the time of the incident, the vessel was 170 nautical miles from Tuticorin and 230 NM from the Maldives. The MRCC launched the National Search and Rescue Services and activated the International Safety Net (ISN) to coordinate the search and rescue. Two merchant vessels - MV SKS Mosel and MC MCP Salzburg, in the region, were identified and diverted to the location of the distressed vessel. The MV MCP Salzburg arrived at the distressed vessel in the early hours of Wednesday (2:30 a.m.) and safely rescued all nine crew members before proceeding to its next port of call (NPC) Maldives, where the rescued crew will disembark. DATs are carried by Indian fishing boats, Mechanised Sailing Vessels, Coastal Vessels and other small vessels. The distress alert is monitored 24x7x365 by the Coast Guard MRCC at the respective regions. Jointly developed by the ISRO and ICG, the DAT is a low-cost and effective satellite transmitter built for fishermen. At a press of a button, this device transmits distress alerts to the search and rescue authorities through the INSAT series of satellites. In case of emergency, the user can select a distress message (boat sinking/fire/medical help/other emergencies). The DAT combines the message with the boat’s position (based on GPS) and transmits the same, every few minutes, till it is switched off manually or until the battery lasts. The Indian Coast Guard has been emphasising that fishermen must carry the DAT device and also register it for effective, timely search and rescue. The DAT unit also helps fishermen receive other information such as potential fishing zones, weather alerts, etc. The Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system is one of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia-Pacific region, with multiple operational communication satellites placed in geostationary orbit. Established in 1983 with the commissioning of INSAT-1B, it initiated a major revolution in India’s communications sector and sustained the same later. According to ISRO, the INSAT system with more than 200 transponders in the C, Extended C and Ku-bands provides services to telecommunications, television broadcasting, satellite news-gathering, societal applications, weather forecasting, disaster warning and Search and Rescue operations.

ISRO-ICG device helps save nine sailors stranded at sea between India and the Maldives

Turkey on Friday announced the release of 15 sailors kidnapped on a cargo ship off the coast of Nigeria last month.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the Mozart's crew were all in good health and would fly back to Turkey from the Nigerian capital Abuja within days.

"We are going to repatriate our compatriots," Cavusoglu was quoted as saying by the Anadolu state news agency.

"They are in good health," he said without providing details about the crew's release.

The Mozart had been en route from the Nigeria's economic capital Lagos to Cape Town in South Africa when it was boarded on January 23.

The unidentified armed men killed an Azerbaijani sailor and wounded several of the Liberian-flagged vessel's crew.

The ship then sailed on to Gabon before contact was officially lost.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office said the Turkish leader had spoken to the ship's acting captain shortly after the attack to make sure the remaining crew were safe.

The head of the shipping company operating the Mozart told Turkish television that the crew would fly home after undergoing health checkups in Nigeria.

Pirate attacks on ships worldwide jumped 20 percent last year driven by a record spate of kidnappings off West Africa, the International Maritime Bureau said last month.

Out of 135 sailors abducted globally last year, 130 were recorded in the Gulf of Guinea -- the highest ever number of crew members kidnapped in the area stretching thousands of kilometres (miles) from Senegal to Angola.

Turkey on Friday announced the release of 15 sailors kidnapped on a cargo ship off the coast of Nigeria last month. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the Mozart's crew were all in good health and would fly back to Turkey from the Nigerian capital Abuja within days.

Turkey on Friday announced the release of 15 sailors kidnapped on a cargo ship off the coast of Nigeria last month. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the Mozart's crew were all in good health and would fly back to Turkey from the Nigerian capital Abuja within days. "We are going to repatriate our compatriots," Cavusoglu was quoted as saying by the Anadolu state news agency. "They are in good health," he said without providing details about the crew's release. The Mozart had been en route from the Nigeria's economic capital Lagos to Cape Town in South Africa when it was boarded on January 23. The unidentified armed men killed an Azerbaijani sailor and wounded several of the Liberian-flagged vessel's crew. The ship then sailed on to Gabon before contact was officially lost. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office said the Turkish leader had spoken to the ship's acting captain shortly after the attack to make sure the remaining crew were safe. The head of the shipping company operating the Mozart told Turkish television that the crew would fly home after undergoing health checkups in Nigeria. Pirate attacks on ships worldwide jumped 20 percent last year driven by a record spate of kidnappings off West Africa, the International Maritime Bureau said last month. Out of 135 sailors abducted globally last year, 130 were recorded in the Gulf of Guinea -- the highest ever number of crew members kidnapped in the area stretching thousands of kilometres (miles) from Senegal to Angola.

Turkey says 15 sailors kidnapped off Nigeria are free

As the Coronavirus outbreak on the aircraft carrier of US Navy. 25 sailors test positive in USS Roosevelt. Now Navy is set to test all 5 thousand sailors on the board.

Coronavirus in Aircraft: 25 sailors test Positive in U.S.S Roosevelt

Japan is working on a plan to send about 270 seamen to the Middle East to guard ships supplying Japan under a law that allows military deployments for research and intelligence gathering, the Nikkei business daily said.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering a January visit to the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the paper added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/five-afghans-killed-in-jalalabad-attack-japanese-doctor-wounded-266121">Japan</a> maintains friendly ties with both the United States and Iran, and has said it would not join any US&nbsp;coalition to protect merchant vessels in the region.

The Nikkei said the government would propose deploying one escort ship and a patrol aircraft from the Maritime Self-Defense Force on a one-year mission that could be renewed annually. It plans to finalise the plan by year-end, the Nikkei said.

Global commodity trading has been rocked this year by attacks on international merchant vessels that Japan's Western allies have blamed on Iran. Tehran denies involvement.

Tensions have heightened between Tehran and Washington since last year, when President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with six nations and re-imposed sanctions on the country, crippling its economy.

Japan, which has stopped buying oil from Iran because of US&nbsp;sanctions, is eager to see stability in the Middle East, where it gets the bulk of its oil imports.

Abe has tried unsuccessfully to ease tensions between the two countries. Iran has criticised US&nbsp;efforts to build an alliance to protect shipping in the Gulf, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Japanese public broadcaster NHK this week after meeting with Abe that Tehran was opposed to any foreign forces in the region.

Iran has also proposed a visit to Japan by President Hassan Rouhani try to resolve Iran's nuclear impasse with Washington, Kyodo news reported.

Japan's pacifist constitution bans a standing military but allows self-defence forces. The prospect of deploying navy personnel to the region has sparked calls for caution from liberal media and other critics.

Japan is working on a plan to send about 270 seamen to the Middle East to guard ships supplying Japan under a law that allows military deployments for research and intelligence gathering, the Nikkei business daily said.

Japan is working on a plan to send about 270 seamen to the Middle East to guard ships supplying Japan under a law that allows military deployments for research and intelligence gathering, the Nikkei business daily said. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering a January visit to the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the paper added. Japan maintains friendly ties with both the United States and Iran, and has said it would not join any US coalition to protect merchant vessels in the region. The Nikkei said the government would propose deploying one escort ship and a patrol aircraft from the Maritime Self-Defense Force on a one-year mission that could be renewed annually. It plans to finalise the plan by year-end, the Nikkei said. Global commodity trading has been rocked this year by attacks on international merchant vessels that Japan's Western allies have blamed on Iran. Tehran denies involvement. Tensions have heightened between Tehran and Washington since last year, when President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with six nations and re-imposed sanctions on the country, crippling its economy. Japan, which has stopped buying oil from Iran because of US sanctions, is eager to see stability in the Middle East, where it gets the bulk of its oil imports. Abe has tried unsuccessfully to ease tensions between the two countries. Iran has criticised US efforts to build an alliance to protect shipping in the Gulf, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Japanese public broadcaster NHK this week after meeting with Abe that Tehran was opposed to any foreign forces in the region. Iran has also proposed a visit to Japan by President Hassan Rouhani try to resolve Iran's nuclear impasse with Washington, Kyodo news reported. Japan's pacifist constitution bans a standing military but allows self-defence forces. The prospect of deploying navy personnel to the region has sparked calls for caution from liberal media and other critics.

Japan plans to send 270 sailors to Middle East to guard ships

Iran seizes British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. 18 Indian sailors were aboard the vessel. India said captured sailors were given consular access. We are in touch with Iran to secure an early release. Watch this video to know more.

India asks Iran to release its sailors

The row between Iran and Britain escalated on Sunday after the two countries accused each other of increasing tensions following Iran's seizure of a British-flagged oil tanker and the detention of Iran's Grace 1 oil tanker in Gibraltar on July 4. Watch this video to know more.

Radio talk between Iran and UK Navies

Iran seized British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz in which 18 Indian sailors were aboard the vessel. Captured Indian sailors are given consular access, India has also asked Iran to release its sailors. Watch this video to know more.

Iran Embassy: Indian Crew Members Will Remain Safe After seizure of British Oil Tanker

18 Indians aboard tanker seized by Iran

Fourteen Russian sailors on board a deep water research sub were killed in a fire while carrying out a survey of the sea floor, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-88000-rebels-had-been-killed-in-syria-russian-defence-ministry-172465">Russian defence ministry</a> was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.

A Russian news outlet, RBC, cited an unnamed military source as saying the vessel was a nuclear-powered AS-12 deep sea <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-seals-3-billion-deal-with-russia-to-lease-nuclear-powered-submarine-201867">submarine</a>, but there was no official confirmation of that.

The incident took place on Monday in Russian territorial waters and the fire has been extinguished. The vessel is now at the Russian Northern Fleet`s base in Severomorsk on the Barents Sea, and an investigation has been launched into the cause, agencies Interfax, RIA and TASS quoted the ministry as saying.

"Fire broke out on board a deep-water scientific research vessel that was studying the marine environment of the world ocean on behalf of the Russian navy," Interfax cited a ministry statement as saying. "Fourteen submariners died as the result of smoke inhalation."

The statement as cited by the agencies did not identify the type or model of the vessel.

President Vladimir Putin cancelled a public engagement planned for Tuesday afternoon and was to meet Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, RIA reported.

In August 2000, the Russian nuclear-powered submarine Kursk sank to the floor of Barents Sea after two explosions in its bow, killing all 118 men aboard.

Military accidents 

That accident, soon after Putin took office, focussed official attention on the state of the military and its hardware, which had been subject to underfunding and neglect after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Since then, Putin has overseen a massive increase in military funding that has allowed the armed forces to renew their equipment and improve training and morale.

However, accidents have continued to happen as the military, used by the Kremlin to project its growing international muscle, has ramped up its activities and extended into new theatres of operation.

In December 2016, a Russian military plane carrying 92 people, including dozens of Red Army Choir singers, crashed into the Black Sea en route to Syria where Russian forces are deployed. Everyone on board was killed.

Russia`s military has been developing new submarines as part of a broader push for new defence hardware under Putin that has also included hypersonic missiles and naval drones. 
 
US&nbsp;media have cited Pentagon officials as saying they are concerned about the increased activities of Russian submarines and spy ships operating in the ocean off the US&nbsp;coastline.

According to an archived report in Russian newspaper Izvestia, the AS-12 submarine was first launched in 2003 and is known by the nickname "Losharik."&nbsp;

The vessel is specially designed to be able to operate at depths inaccessible for regular submarines, according to the newspaper, and can be used to carry out special operations.&nbsp;

It is made out of a series of inter-connected spheres, which are stronger than the conventional submarine construction and allow the AS-12 to resist water pressure.

The plant that built the vessel declined to disclose any details about it, citing secrecy rules, Izvestia reported.

Fourteen Russian sailors on board a deep water research sub were killed in a fire while carrying out a survey of the sea floor, the Russian defence ministry was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.

Fourteen Russian sailors on board a deep water research sub were killed in a fire while carrying out a survey of the sea floor, the Russian defence ministry was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies. A Russian news outlet, RBC, cited an unnamed military source as saying the vessel was a nuclear-powered AS-12 deep sea submarine, but there was no official confirmation of that. The incident took place on Monday in Russian territorial waters and the fire has been extinguished. The vessel is now at the Russian Northern Fleet`s base in Severomorsk on the Barents Sea, and an investigation has been launched into the cause, agencies Interfax, RIA and TASS quoted the ministry as saying. "Fire broke out on board a deep-water scientific research vessel that was studying the marine environment of the world ocean on behalf of the Russian navy," Interfax cited a ministry statement as saying. "Fourteen submariners died as the result of smoke inhalation." The statement as cited by the agencies did not identify the type or model of the vessel. President Vladimir Putin cancelled a public engagement planned for Tuesday afternoon and was to meet Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, RIA reported. In August 2000, the Russian nuclear-powered submarine Kursk sank to the floor of Barents Sea after two explosions in its bow, killing all 118 men aboard. Military accidents That accident, soon after Putin took office, focussed official attention on the state of the military and its hardware, which had been subject to underfunding and neglect after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since then, Putin has overseen a massive increase in military funding that has allowed the armed forces to renew their equipment and improve training and morale. However, accidents have continued to happen as the military, used by the Kremlin to project its growing international muscle, has ramped up its activities and extended into new theatres of operation. In December 2016, a Russian military plane carrying 92 people, including dozens of Red Army Choir singers, crashed into the Black Sea en route to Syria where Russian forces are deployed. Everyone on board was killed. Russia`s military has been developing new submarines as part of a broader push for new defence hardware under Putin that has also included hypersonic missiles and naval drones. US media have cited Pentagon officials as saying they are concerned about the increased activities of Russian submarines and spy ships operating in the ocean off the US coastline. According to an archived report in Russian newspaper Izvestia, the AS-12 submarine was first launched in 2003 and is known by the nickname "Losharik." The vessel is specially designed to be able to operate at depths inaccessible for regular submarines, according to the newspaper, and can be used to carry out special operations. It is made out of a series of inter-connected spheres, which are stronger than the conventional submarine construction and allow the AS-12 to resist water pressure. The plant that built the vessel declined to disclose any details about it, citing secrecy rules, Izvestia reported.

Fourteen sailors killed in Russia submersible fire: Defence Ministry

Ukraine called on Friday before an international tribunal for the "urgent" release of its sailors held by Russia since their International Tribunal was captured off Crimea last November.

The diplomatic incident has heightened tensions between the neighbours locked in conflict for the last five years.

Ukraine's deputy foreign minister Olena Zerkal, addressing the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in the German city of Hamburg, called for the immediate release of the 24 sailors being held in Moscow.

Russia accuses the Ukrainian sailors of violating its maritime borders.

Last November, Russia opened fire upon, then captured the sailors manning three Ukrainian vessels off Crimea, which were trying to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov.

Zerkal described the sailors' continued detention as "just an additional illustration of Russia's continued disrespect for international law".

"From the moment of the detentions, Ukraine has worked urgently to solve this matter", said Zerkal who insisted her country has given "Russia every opportunity to settle the issue by diplomatic means".

She described Russia's conduct as "a profound violation" of "international law" and demanded the "urgent" release of the sailors.

"Each additional day of detentions, each interrogation, each court case aggravates the dispute between the parties".

Russia did not send representatives to the hearing in Hamburg as it does not recognise the court's jurisdiction. Zerkal greeted its absence with "regret".

Outgoing Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has insisted the sailors are "prisoners of war" and described their detention as "blatant proof that Russia continues to show cynical disrespect for human rights".

"We expect that in a matter of weeks the Tribunal will oblige Russia to release our sailors and Ukrainian ships, and its actions will be considered illegitimate," Poroshenko said in a statement last month.

"Russia still has a chance to free our sailors and ships without waiting for the formal recognition of the international crime committed by the Kremlin."

The Ukrainian sailors face up to six years in prison for illegally crossing Russian borders, lawyers have said.

Critics of the Kremlin have accused Russia of preparing a show trial.

The capture of the Ukrainian ships was the most dangerous direct clash in years between the ex-Soviet neighbours.

They have been locked in a confrontation since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and supported an insurgency in eastern Ukraine. More than 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

Ukraine called on Friday before an international tribunal for the "urgent" release of its sailors held by Russia since their International Tribunal was captured off Crimea last November.

Ukraine called on Friday before an international tribunal for the "urgent" release of its sailors held by Russia since their International Tribunal was captured off Crimea last November. The diplomatic incident has heightened tensions between the neighbours locked in conflict for the last five years. Ukraine's deputy foreign minister Olena Zerkal, addressing the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in the German city of Hamburg, called for the immediate release of the 24 sailors being held in Moscow. Russia accuses the Ukrainian sailors of violating its maritime borders. Last November, Russia opened fire upon, then captured the sailors manning three Ukrainian vessels off Crimea, which were trying to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. Zerkal described the sailors' continued detention as "just an additional illustration of Russia's continued disrespect for international law". "From the moment of the detentions, Ukraine has worked urgently to solve this matter", said Zerkal who insisted her country has given "Russia every opportunity to settle the issue by diplomatic means". She described Russia's conduct as "a profound violation" of "international law" and demanded the "urgent" release of the sailors. "Each additional day of detentions, each interrogation, each court case aggravates the dispute between the parties". Russia did not send representatives to the hearing in Hamburg as it does not recognise the court's jurisdiction. Zerkal greeted its absence with "regret". Outgoing Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has insisted the sailors are "prisoners of war" and described their detention as "blatant proof that Russia continues to show cynical disrespect for human rights". "We expect that in a matter of weeks the Tribunal will oblige Russia to release our sailors and Ukrainian ships, and its actions will be considered illegitimate," Poroshenko said in a statement last month. "Russia still has a chance to free our sailors and ships without waiting for the formal recognition of the international crime committed by the Kremlin." The Ukrainian sailors face up to six years in prison for illegally crossing Russian borders, lawyers have said. Critics of the Kremlin have accused Russia of preparing a show trial. The capture of the Ukrainian ships was the most dangerous direct clash in years between the ex-Soviet neighbours. They have been locked in a confrontation since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and supported an insurgency in eastern Ukraine. More than 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

Ukraine demands release of navy sailors held by Russia

An Iranian oil tanker collided with a bulk freighter and caught fire off China&rsquo;s eastern coast, leaving&nbsp;32 crew members missing on Saturday night.

Of those missing were 30&nbsp;Iranian nationals and two&nbsp;from Bangladesh, according to the Chinese government. The 21 rescued were all Chinese nationals.

Thick clouds of dark smoke could be seen billowing out of the Sanchi tanker, engulfing the vessel as rescue efforts were hampered by bad weather and fire on and around the ship, Mohammad Rastad, head of Iran&#39;s Ports and Maritime Organisation, told Iranian television.

The Sanchi collided with the CF Crystal about 160 nautical miles off the coast near Shanghai on Saturday evening, the Chinese Ministry of Transportation said in a statement.

The Panama-registered tanker was sailing from Iran to South Korea, carrying 136,000 tonnes of condensate, an ultra-light crude. That is equivalent to just under 1 million barrels, worth about $60 million, based on global crude oil prices.

A search operation is being carried out by the Chinese and South Korean authorities.&nbsp;

&quot;There is a wide perimeter of flames around the vessel because of the spillage and search and rescue efforts are being carried out with difficulty,&quot; Rastad said.

&quot;Unfortunately, up to this moment, there is no news of the crew,&quot; he said.

Eight vessels have dispatched by the Chinese maritime authorities for search and rescue operation.

South Korea has dispatched a coast guard ship and a fixed-wing aircraft to assist in the search and rescue operation.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Of those missing, 30 are Iranian nationals and two are from Bangladesh, according to the Chinese government. The 21 rescued are all Chinese nationals

An Iranian oil tanker collided with a bulk freighter and caught fire off China’s eastern coast, leaving 32 crew members missing on Saturday night. Of those missing were 30 Iranian nationals and two from Bangladesh, according to the Chinese government. The 21 rescued were all Chinese nationals. Thick clouds of dark smoke could be seen billowing out of the Sanchi tanker, engulfing the vessel as rescue efforts were hampered by bad weather and fire on and around the ship, Mohammad Rastad, head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation, told Iranian television. The Sanchi collided with the CF Crystal about 160 nautical miles off the coast near Shanghai on Saturday evening, the Chinese Ministry of Transportation said in a statement. The Panama-registered tanker was sailing from Iran to South Korea, carrying 136,000 tonnes of condensate, an ultra-light crude. That is equivalent to just under 1 million barrels, worth about $60 million, based on global crude oil prices. A search operation is being carried out by the Chinese and South Korean authorities. "There is a wide perimeter of flames around the vessel because of the spillage and search and rescue efforts are being carried out with difficulty," Rastad said. "Unfortunately, up to this moment, there is no news of the crew," he said. Eight vessels have dispatched by the Chinese maritime authorities for search and rescue operation. South Korea has dispatched a coast guard ship and a fixed-wing aircraft to assist in the search and rescue operation.

32 sailors missing after Iranian ship collides with bulk freighter off China's east coast

U.S&nbsp;Navy&nbsp;and Marine Corps divers have recovered and identified the second body in the search for ten sailors missing after a collision between a guided-missile destroyer and merchant&nbsp;vessel near Singapore earlier this week, the US&nbsp;Navy&nbsp;said on Friday.

The&nbsp;USS John S. McCain collided with the merchant tanker in waters near Singapore and Malaysia on Monday, which led to an international search-and-rescue operation for the missing sailors. The&nbsp;Navy&nbsp;recovered the first body from inside the hull of the warship earlier this week.

&quot;More divers and equipment arrived overnight to continue search and recovery operations for eight missing sailors inside flooded compartments of the ship,&quot; the US&nbsp;Seventh Fleet said in a statement on its website.

On Thursday, the US&nbsp;Navy&nbsp;suspended the wider search and rescue operation to focus&nbsp;recovery efforts on the damaged hull of the ship, which is moored at Singapore&#39;s Changi Naval Base.

The&nbsp;Navy&nbsp;has already released the names of all the sailors who were missing.

The USS John S. McCain collided with the merchant tanker in waters near Singapore and Malaysia on Monday

U.S Navy and Marine Corps divers have recovered and identified the second body in the search for ten sailors missing after a collision between a guided-missile destroyer and merchant vessel near Singapore earlier this week, the US Navy said on Friday. The USS John S. McCain collided with the merchant tanker in waters near Singapore and Malaysia on Monday, which led to an international search-and-rescue operation for the missing sailors. The Navy recovered the first body from inside the hull of the warship earlier this week. "More divers and equipment arrived overnight to continue search and recovery operations for eight missing sailors inside flooded compartments of the ship," the US Seventh Fleet said in a statement on its website. On Thursday, the US Navy suspended the wider search and rescue operation to focus recovery efforts on the damaged hull of the ship, which is moored at Singapore's Changi Naval Base. The Navy has already released the names of all the sailors who were missing.

Second body found after 10 sailors go missing after US?Navy collision

sailors

Sailors, News on Sailors, stories on Sailors, articles on Sailors, Sailors stories at Wion, Sailors news, Sailors latest news