Iran detains cargo ship over oil pollution in Persian Gulf

Iranian authorities have detained a bulk carrier after it allegedly discharged oily waste into the Persian Gulf, the Hormozgan Ports and Maritime Department has said.

The agency accused the vessel, which was carrying sugar, of releasing a mixture of used oil, engine-room bilge water and industrial sludge into the sea, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian International.

The currents spread the pollution into several small slicks, which were contained by cleanup teams, it added.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov