(Iraqi Transport) Iraq announces that a fuel oil-laden ship was hit in its territorial waters

Baghdad, Sept 9 (KUNA) -- The Iraqi Ministry of Transport announced on Wednesday that a Panamanian-flagged fuel oil tanker sustained damage while inside Iraqi territorial waters at 5:30 a.m. local time. The ministry said in a statement that the incident caused physical damage to the ship’s hull, but resulted in no casualties or injuries among the crew, nor did it cause any spillage of its cargo into the water. It added that security, official, and naval authorities promptly took necessary precautionary measures, isolating the vessel and placing it under continuous surveillance, while monitoring the surrounding area on the ground to ensure there was no fuel leakage, other damage, or any signs that could threaten maritime safety or the marine environment. The ministry clarified that relevant authorities are following up on the circumstances of the incident and working to verify the source and causes of the damage, and will announce any updates or confirmed information on the matter as they become available. (End) A.H. H./A.M.H.