Crew abandons damaged vessel as rescue teams respond swiftly
TEHRAN: Twenty-three foreign sailors were safely rescued on Tuesday after a bulk carrier sustained severe damage in a maritime collision north of Iran’s Qeshm Island, according to Iranian media reports.
The vessel suffered extensive damage to the middle section of its hull after colliding with another ship at sea. As water rapidly entered the vessel, the captain ordered the crew to abandon ship as a precautionary measure.
According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, all 23 crew members evacuated safely before rescue teams transported them to Qeshm Island. No fatalities or serious injuries were immediately reported.
Following reports of the incident, authorities in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas launched an emergency maritime response. Rescue officials coordinated operations through the Hormozgan Province Maritime Search and Rescue Center, dispatching a pilot boat and a tugboat to assist the damaged vessel and ensure the crew’s safe evacuation.
Authorities investigate cause of collision
Emergency teams secured the area and began assessing the extent of the vessel’s damage. Preliminary findings indicated that the bulk carrier collided with another ship, although officials have not yet determined the cause of the accident.
Investigators are expected to examine navigation records, weather conditions and vessel movements before releasing their final findings. Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the second vessel involved in the collision.
Maritime incident occurs amid heightened regional tensions
The collision occurred as security concerns remain elevated across the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, amid ongoing regional military tensions.
Earlier on Tuesday, Iranian state media also reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island and Kish Island. However, officials did not immediately provide details about those incidents or indicate whether they were connected to the maritime accident.
The latest shipping incident comes as commercial vessels continue operating under increased security precautions following renewed hostilities in the Gulf after the collapse of a ceasefire framework between the United States and Iran. Maritime authorities continue to monitor vessel movements closely while rescue and investigation teams assess the aftermath of the collision.
