The US Navy said that at 4:10 pm local time, “An IRGC Gashti Class patrol boat approached the Kokuka Courageous and was observed and recorded removing the unexploded limpet mine from the Kokuka Courageous.” The US Navy has posted video footage showing the apparent removal of the limpet mine.
It was originally reported that the two vessels had been hit by torpedoes but the video points to a different method of attack.
The Kokuka Courageous is now under two to Khor Fakkan, UAE with its crew back onboard following their evacuation with the help of the USS Bainbridge and the merchant vessel Coastal Ace.
Read more: Kokuka Courageous under tow to UAE following Gulf of Oman attack
The crew of the Front Altair were rescued by the vessel Hyundai Dubai were turned over the IRGC at their request, according to the US Navy. “The motor vessel Hyundai Dubai complied with the request and transferred the crew of the Altair to the Iranian FIACs (fast attack craft/fast inshore attack craft).”
Following the attacks the US Navy stated: “The US and our partners in the region will take all necessary measures to defend ourselves and our interests. Today's attacks are a clear threat to international freedom of navigation and freedom of commerce.
“The US and the international community, stand ready to defend our interests, including the freedom of navigation.”
Read all Seatrade Maritime News coverage of the tanker attacks here
The US has blamed Iran, and Iran says the accusations are unfounded.
The attacks have been widely condemned by shipping industry organisations and raise the spectre of disruption to trade in the Straits of Hormuz one of the world’s key waterways.
Read more: Shipping industry condemns tanker attacks, warns of global economic threat
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