Iran says oil tanker HELM breaks down in Red Sea
An Iranian oil tanker has broken down in the Red Sea
but the crew are safe and repairs are underway, Iran’s state news agency IRNA
reported on Wednesday.
“The ship’s crew are fixing the defect and the
vessel is in a stable condition from a safety standpoint. Fortunately, the
ship’s crew are in a safe condition,” IRNA quoted Akbar Jabal-Ameli, technical
director of the state-run National Iranian Tanker Company, as saying.
The report identified the tanker as HELM. A vessel
with that name is among individuals, companies and vessels which are under U.S.
sanctions, according to the U.S. Treasury’s website.
Iran has one of the largest tanker fleets in the
world, but Tehran is running short of options to replace its aging tankers and
keep oil exports flowing because renewed U.S. sanctions are making potential
sellers and flag registries wary of doing business with Tehran.
