Iranian frigate foils pirate attack on tanker in Arabian Sea

Iranian state media has reported that an attempt by an unidentified group to seize an oil tanker ended in failure after local security forces came to the aid of the targeted vessel.

The incident occurred on Saturday, October 16, when armed pirates on five skiffs approached the unnamed tanker while it was underway in the Arabian Sea.

IRIS Alborz, a frigate of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN), sailed to the tanker’s reported position to render assistance. Reports said a “heavy exchange of fire” then ensued between the frigate and the armed men on the skiffs, which left the area shortly afterwards.

Despite the gunfire, no casualties have been reported among the tanker’s crew or the IRIN personnel.