An audio message from Hyundai Dubai suggests that the 110,000-dwt LR2 Front Altair (built 2016) was “mortared” in the Gulf of Oman.
In the recording, the cargoship's captain said that the Frontline-owned vessel was on “fire” after “most probably" a torpedo attack.
The location of the incident is near latitude 25 degrees, 25.7 minutes North and longitude 57 degrees, 22.5 minutes East, according to the captain.
The audio was circulated in the shipping circle following the incident. Hyundai Merchant Marine, which owns Hyundai Dubai, has confirmed its authenticity.
The 30,100-dwt ship (built 2011) rescued 23 crew members from Front Altair earlier today, the South Korean shipping firm confirmed.
The crew comprises 11 Russian nationals, a Georgian and 11 Filipinos.
Product tanker
109,894 dwt
Built 2016
Owner/manager: Frontline
“All crew safely disembarked… no medical assistance required,” the captain said.
The Islamic Republic News Agency reported the crew have been handed over to an Iranian rescue team and taken to Iran.
