▲ Strait of Hormuz (File Photo)
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on the 23rd (local time) that two Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) strayed from designated shipping lanes and collided with naval mines while attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRGC Navy public relations office stated through a press release that the vessels struck maritime mines while navigating through an unauthorized southern route of the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement explained, "In the wake of the mine explosions and intense fires, the engine rooms of these vessels have been disabled, and the ships are now completely immobilized."
The IRGC added that the vessels were carrying a total of over 4.5 million barrels of crude oil, and that the ships currently remain abandoned after all crew members evacuated immediately following the mine collisions.
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