Drug Smugglers Saved From Burning Ship By US Navy Off Oman
The U.S. Navy rescued five men from Iran. They were suspected of smuggling drugs after they set fire to a stash onboard a traditional vessel off the Oman coast.
On Wednesday, the Navy published an aerial surveillance video depicting a conventional vessel or a dhow as it set sail in the Gulf of Oman. Those on board pour a liquid, similar to an accelerant, on the cargo hold. Smoke then poured from the vessel after those who were on the ship set a fire with a massive explosion that shook the whole vessel.
Sailors from USS Sirocco later arrived, rescuing the men. Sailors also recovered over 500 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1,745 kilograms of hashish, and 30 kilograms of heroin. Per the Navy, the drugs recovered were worth $14.7 million.
Sailors have to say that signified only half of the total drugs on board the dhow, with the rest sinking/burning, remarked Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins, a spokesperson from the US Navy mentioned.
The Navy said that five Iran nationals rescued from the dhow underwent treatment and were handed to authorities in Oman. One more Iranian continues to be missing.
Iran refused to acknowledge the incident immediately on Thursday. The Navy and its allied forces are in-charge of conducting anti-narcotics patrols via the Mideast waterways. Smugglers use dhows to carry heroin and other drugs from Afghanistan.
Reference: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
