Iranian tanker on fire after explosion near Jeddah

by IANS |

Tehran, Oct 11 (IANS) An Iranian oil tanker was on fire following an explosion on Friday near the Saudi port city of Jeddah, which has also resulted in an oil spill in the Red Sea, state-media reported.

The incident took place some 60 miles from Jeddah early Friday, Iran's Press TV reported citing informed sources as saying.

The explosion reportedly hit the National Iranian Tanker Company's (NITC) tanker's hull, causing heavy damages to the vessel's two main reservoirs, which caused the oil spill.

Technical experts were currently investigating the cause of the explosion. They believe it was a "terrorist attack", unnamed sources told Iran's ISNA news agency.

A statement by NITC said the SABITY tanker was hit by two separate explosions at 5 and 5.20 a.m. Friday, probably after being struck by missiles.

It said the crew members were safe and none of them has been harmed in the explosions.

The tanker is currently in a stable condition, the statement added.

Latest News
IPL 2024: Looking to see more attacking fast bowling from Siraj and Yash, says RCB head coach Flower Sat, May 04, 2024, 04:26 PM
Inspiring voices of India's women panchayat leaders resonate at UN meet Sat, May 04, 2024, 04:24 PM
CM, Dy CM obsessed with 'pen drive', forgotten about guarantees: KarnatakaBJP chief Sat, May 04, 2024, 04:21 PM
President Murmu reaches Shimla for five-day visit Sat, May 04, 2024, 04:13 PM
Cracks in the armour: Cong faces serious challenge from NC rebel candidate in Ladakh constituency Sat, May 04, 2024, 04:06 PM
Chinese embassy in Canada refutes foreign interference accusations Sat, May 04, 2024, 03:47 PM
Karnataka CM chairs SIT meeting, orders immediate arrest of Prajwal Revanna Sat, May 04, 2024, 03:42 PM
Study calls for making cardiorespiratory fitness a part of annual check-up Sat, May 04, 2024, 03:35 PM
'Refusing an ICC event can backfire', cautions Rashid Latif amid uncertainty over India's participation in Champions Trophy Sat, May 04, 2024, 03:24 PM
Meta gets 27K reports via Indian grievance mechanism in March, fake FB, Insta profiles key concern Sat, May 04, 2024, 03:23 PM
Government lifts ban on onion exports with price rider Sat, May 04, 2024, 03:22 PM
Multiple fires erupt in Ukraine's Kharkiv after overnight Russian attacks Sat, May 04, 2024, 03:19 PM
UNGA president invokes Mahatma Gandhi to call for protecting journalists Sat, May 04, 2024, 03:18 PM
Rahul's Raebareli move will be 'suicidal', says ex-Congman Pramod Krishnam Sat, May 04, 2024, 03:17 PM
'Shahenshah lives in castle': Priyanka Gandhi's retort on Rahul being dubbed 'Shehzada' Sat, May 04, 2024, 02:55 PM