Containership sinks after being struck by Iranian forces in March

April 6 ------ The containership Safeen Prestige has succumbed to the fire that engulfed the vessel following an attack by Iranian forces on 4 March. Nearly a month after the initial strike, NAVEREA IX issued a maritime warning confirming the sinking, making Safeen Prestige the first ship reported to have been lost as a result of the hostilities involving Iran.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the vessel was hit on 4 March by an unknown projectile just above the waterline, triggering a fire in the engine room. The sinking is reported near the northern tip of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, approximately 6.5 nautical miles northeast of Ras Madrakah, in waters about 120 meters (nearly 400 feet) deep. No exact time of the sinking was provided, but the alert was issued on 1 April.

The report also informs of remnants of an oil slick. "The container ship Safeen Prestige has reportedly sunk at position 26°27.56′N, 056°25.38′E, approximately 6.5 nautical miles northeast of Ra’s Makhruq. The vessel rests at a depth of 120 meters, with remnants of an oil spill observed in the area. Mariners are advised to exercise caution," the NAVAREA IX warning states.

Source: safety4sea.com