Iranian owner claims ship damaged in apparent terror attack in Mediterranean

An Iranian shipping company has claimed that the incident that damaged one of its vessels in the Mediterranean last week was an act of terrorism.

State-owned Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) said it would take legal action against those responsible for damaging the container vessel Shahr E Kord as it was headed for the Port of Latakia in Syria on Wednesday, March 10.

The IRISL said the damage was caused by an explosive object. This then caused a fire to ignite on board the 2,200TEU ship, though this was quickly extinguished and no injuries have been reported.

IRISL spokesman Ali Ghiasian said the company will seek international assistance in identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators.