Iran rescues ship crew in Strait of Hormuz

Iran has rescued twenty-three sailors after a bulk carrier suffered serious damage in a collision north of Qeshm Island.

Authorities in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas received notification of the maritime accident early in the day and initial findings indicated that the bulk carrier collided with another vessel in waters near Qeshm Island, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

Details about the second ship were not immediately released.

In response, rescue teams dispatched a pilot boat and a tugboat to the scene in coordination with the Hormozgan Province Maritime Search and Rescue Centre to assess the situation and assist the vessel.

The ship, carrying 23 sailors, sustained heavy damage to the central section of its hull and began taking on water, forcing the captain to order an evacuation.

All 23 foreign crew members were safely removed from the vessel and transported to Qeshm Island without reported injuries, the agency noted.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision.

The incident came as Iranian media reported a series of explosions in the country's south. State news agency IRNA earlier reported blasts in Bandar Abbas, while six explosions were heard on Kish Island and additional explosions were reported on Qeshm Island.

The developments occurred amid heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz following the conflict launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026.

Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding in June that included a Qatar- and Pakistan-mediated ceasefire as a step toward a broader agreement aimed at ending the conflict.

However, US President Donald Trump announced on July 8 that the ceasefire "is over" following renewed hostilities between the sides.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov