Two fishing boats targeted in drone attack off Iran's southern coast, fishermen go missing: Report

On Monday night, two fishing boats were struck by a drone attack off the southern coast of Iran, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency. The incident occurred near the southern port city of Kargan and Larak Island, with the attack reportedly carried out by unidentified assailants. Deputy Governor Ahmad Nafisi of Hormozgan province confirmed the news, indicating that a search and rescue operation has commenced to locate the missing fishermen.

Further details about the attack would be released after a thorough investigation, reported Xinhua news agency, quoting the Mehr report. Simultaneously, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy reported that a super oil tanker, EL GAIA, was destroyed after colliding with naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel caught fire and was ultimately engulfed by flames, with efforts to extinguish the blaze deemed unsuccessful.

However, the US military refuted the claim of a mine explosion, suggesting the tanker was instead targeted by a projectile attack. The US also cautioned about the dangers of navigating the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that it remains closed and under the control of Iran's naval forces. Meanwhile, Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) cautioned insurance companies and classification societies against providing services to ships listed as violating vessels, as they may face legal repercussions.

The recent attacks highlight the escalating maritime tensions in the region, with the US and Iran accusing each other of orchestrating the incidents.