The U.S. disabled another tanker sailing to Iran

U.S. Armed Forces reported immobilisation on June 8 M/T Marivex, which was heading for the Iranian port through the international waters of the Oman Gulf. According to Central U.S. Command (CENTCOM), the unit did not follow the instructions issued.

Tanker halted, crew evacuated

According to CENTCOM, F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) used precision ammunition against tanker Marivex, flying the flag of Palau. The impact was aimed at machinery spaces and ship's steering devices after the crew did not follow the instructions US forces.

As a result Marivex interrupted the transition towards Iran. U.S. Command did not give details of the scale ship damage.

The fate of the crew remains a separate thread. There were 24 Indian sailors aboard the tanker. Indian Coast Guard announced that the report of the incident was sent to the Maritime Emergency Coordination Centre in Mumbai on 8 June at approximately 2 p.m. A relative of one of the crew members provided the information.

Following this notification, MRCC Mumbai contacted the Oman website. Around 5 p.m., the Oman authorities confirmed that all crew members were evacuated by Oman Navy helicopters. No casualties or injuries were reported.

Balance of the US port blockade of Iran

Balance of the US port blockade of Iran

Washington keeps the sea Iranian blockade ports from 13 April. CENTCOM claims that since then seven ships have been disabled, which have not complied with the orders of the US forces. At the same time, 134 units were diverted and 42 ships were allowed to board humanitarian aid.

The incident shows the extent to which the United States can project force. The country remains capable of carrying out armed actions and enforcing its sanctions policy far outside its territory – from Middle East To the Indian Ocean. However, this does not change the fact that hitting a ship in international waters raises serious legal doubts and can be assessed as a violation of the freedom of navigation and the principles of the law of the sea.