US strikes Panamanian ship tried to defy Iran blockade: WSJ
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- US helicopter strikes Panama-flagged ship.
- Vessel hit while allegedly defying Iran blockade.
- Strike sparks fire; 17 crew members safe.
- Crew reportedly attempts transfer to another vessel.
A US military helicopter fired at the rudder of a Panama-flagged container ship after the vessel's crew ignored explicit warnings from US personnel enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing a US official with knowledge of the matter.
The vessel, identified as the Vela Nova, was sailing westbound through the Gulf of Oman when the engagement took place.
Crew transfer attempt
According to initial assessments from British maritime risk management group Vanguard and a maritime security source, the Vela Nova was struck by a helicopter-launched missile approximately 71 nautical miles off the coast of Pakistan.
Vanguard reported that the missile impact triggered a fire on board the container ship, which was subsequently extinguished.
"The missile struck the vessel, causing a fire that was subsequently extinguished," Vanguard stated in its initial report, confirming that all 17 crew members were accounted for.
There were no immediate reports of casualties resulting from the strike.
Following the engagement, the Vela Nova appeared to be attempting to transfer its crew to another civilian vessel operating in the area.
