Unic Press UK: The National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) says an Iranian oil tanker, SABITI has been attacked some 60 miles off Jeddah Port, Saudi Arabia, causing two explosions Friday at 5:00 a.m. and 5:20 a.m. local time.
In a statement on its website, the NITC writes that two separate blasts on the SABITI, an Iranian vessel, which were triggered when two missiles struck, did cause a slight damage to the vessel. There are no human casualties.
NITC also refuted the reports that fire engulfed SABITI when the missiles hit.
Reacting to the attack, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani said Saturday that “Piracy and banditry in international waterways which is done with the aim of making shipping lanes for commercial vessels insecure will not go unanswered,” the Press TV reports.
Meanwhile, on Twitter, a tanker tracking firm has raised reservation over the claims that missiles struck at SABITI. “Given that the SABITI was allegedly attacked by missiles, she’s moving a lot faster than her bigger sister HELM…”
An attacked vessel wouldn't cruise at a fixed speed and in a straight line the way SABITI does. If she has no issues sailing, then why isn't she continuing straight to Syria given that she contains $60M worth of cargo? We do not believe there is anything wrong with her. See HELM. https://t.co/oZtBxmuryl
— TankerTrackers.com, Inc.⚓️🛢 (@TankerTrackers) October 12, 2019
Given that the SABITI was allegedly attacked by missiles, she's moving a lot faster than her bigger sister HELM, which had a mechanical failure back in August. HELM is STILL nowhere near home more than 7 weeks later. Our commentary in the @planetlabs pic to avoid any misuse. Thx. pic.twitter.com/gNIjH7f19f
— TankerTrackers.com, Inc.⚓️🛢 (@TankerTrackers) October 11, 2019
