Explosion on Shahr E Kord, “terrorist attack” says IRISL
Iranian shipowner claims blast aboard boxship was deliberate attack.
The explosion aboard the Iranian-flagged containership Shahr E Kord last Thursday has been called a “terrorist attack” by the ship’s owners, the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL). The 2,200-teu vessel suffered a blast in one of its containers as it transited the eastern Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Israel.
Spokesman for the IRISl, Ali Ghiasian, said: “After an explosive object hit the hull, a brief fire broke out … which was immediately contained by the timely efforts of the captain and crew of the ship.”
Ambrey Intelligence assessed the incident but have not said who perpetrated the attack. The explosion followed a blast on the Israeli-owned Helios Ray in February. Israel blames the attack on Iran and many in the maritime security community think an undeclared tit-for-tat maritime war is being waged between the two countries.
