UAE confirms terror attack on Japanese tanker

Abu Dhabi, Aug 6 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates Coast Guard Friday confirmed the terror attack on a Japanese tanker in the Strait of Hormuz last week, saying a boat loaded with explosives had hit the vessel.

The attack on the tanker caused no human injuries or spills of oil.

The tanker M. Star left the port of Fujairah Friday after repairing damage to its starboard side incurred when it was attacked July 28.

Investigations and an examination carried out by specialised teams confirmed that the tanker had been the subject of a terrorist attack, a source at the UAE Coast Guard said.

“After the tanker had anchored 12 nautical miles off the Port of Fujairah, UAE explosives experts who collected and examined samples found a dent on the starboard side above the water line and remains of home-made explosives on the hull…Probably the tanker had encountered a terrorist attack from a boat loaded with explosives,” the source said.

The master of the tanker expressed his profound thanks to the UAE authorities for their swift response to the tanker’s request to anchor near the port of Fujairah for investigation and repairs.

–IANS/WAM