UPDATED: U.S. Destroyer Rescues 21 Mariners From Stricken Tanker in Gulf of Oman

USNI News ^ | 13 June 2019 | Sam LaGrone

[Steely Tom]

This post has been updated with a statement from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The crew of a U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer rescued 21 merchant mariners from a tanker that was allegedly attacked in the Gulf of Oman, officials told USNI News on Thursday afternoon.

USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) responded to a Thursday morning distress call from the tanker M/V Kokuka Courageous, according to U.S. Central Command spokesman Army Lt. Col. Earl Brown.

“U.S. Naval Forces Central Command received the calls from the M/V Front Altair and M/V Kokuka Courageous, who were operating in international waters of the Gulf of Oman,” he said in a statement to USNI News. “USS Bainbridge was operating in the vicinity and provided immediate assistance to the M/V Kokuka Courageous. Twenty-one mariners from the M/V Kokuka Courageous, who abandoned ship, are currently aboard USS Bainbridge. A Navy P-8 is also providing support.”

The rescue comes as the U.S. and allies are determining how the two merchant ships, bound for Asia were attacked and by who. The Panamanian-flagged tanker, Kokuka Courageous, had reported damage to its starboard hull in an unspecified security incident. Iranian state television issued video of Front Altair burning from a hull breach on the starboard side of the ship.

On Thursday afternoon, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement blaming Iran for the attacks via Twitter.

“The Norwegian Maritime Agency said that three explosions were reported on board the Marshall Islands-flagged Front Altair oil tanker, which is owned by the Bermuda-based Norwegian company Frontline,” CNN reported. “The company said that a fire broke out after an explosion and that the cause of the blast was unclear.”

[Steely Tom]

Hadn't heard this angle mentioned yet, only that the Iranians had some of the crewmembers.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Hopefully the USN will usher forth some truly dynamic ASUB operations. I think if five or six of their better submarines suddenly all at once investigated crush depth, it would do wonders to cool their jets.

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[Steely Tom]

I think if five or six of their better submarines suddenly all at once investigated crush depth, it would do wonders to cool their jets.

Persian Gulf's deepest point is 295', according to Google.

Haven't heard "cool your jets" in many a yarn.

[treetopsandroofs]

I had heard that on the radio this morning too, like what great guys Iran was for SAVING them. Big Media got a script EARLY on this.

[lee martell]

Was this courtesy of The Russians to force the US into a hot war? Hope not. The president will likely take a few days to examine the different ways he could respond. I expect some type of response though, perhaps before the next holiday (the 4th).

[OKSooner]

Thanks, I was just gonna ax, is there even such a thing as crush depth in the gulf.

Sounds like there certainly is a sink depth, though.

[SuperLuminal]

As long as arabs are blowing up other arabs, arab ships, or arab buildings we need to mind our own business... better yet, cheer them on...

[elpadre]

The Iran mini-submarine fleet at work. This is the type of attacks for which they were designed and purposed.

https://www.navytimes.com/flashpoints/2018/11/29/iran-adds-2-mini-submarines-to-naval-fleet/

[Sequoyah101]

What the hell do they mean “allegedly” attacked? I’m sick to my guts with all this PC benefit of doubt innocence crap. The ship was attacked. It is obvious.

[elpadre]

The Iranian navy has more than a dozen mini-submarines designed and purposed for these type of attacks.

https://www.navytimes.com/flashpoints/2018/11/29/iran-adds-2-mini-submarines-to-naval-fleet/

[ModelBreaker]

“As long as arabs are blowing up other arabs, arab ships, or arab buildings we need to mind our own business... better yet, cheer them on.”

You assume it’s Arabs. There are places that would benefit from increased oil prices or that would benefit from having Uncle Sam sink Iranian submarines that are not Arab and that have the capability to pull this off.

Maybe it’s Iran.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Official max depth for Kilos is 300m. But we’re talking used Russian subs piloted and maintained by Iranians. Possibly with a little invisible modding by SEALs when they were back in harbor.

[SuperLuminal]

You are correct... I should have used “moslem” instead of “arab”...

[trebb]

My thoughts too - would love to see some active Iranian Ops “disruptured”....