In a swift response to a distress call from a merchant vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz, United States and United Kingdom naval forces joined efforts to ensure the safety of the targeted ship. The incident, which took place on Jun. 4, involved Iranian fast-attack boats harassing the internationally flagged commercial vessel.
U.S. Navy photo
At 4:56 p.m. local time, the civilian crew aboard the merchant vessel made a radio distress call as they encountered a worrisome situation. The crew reported that three fast-attack craft, carrying armed personnel, approached and closely followed their ship. These fast-attack craft were later identified as belonging to the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.
Responding swiftly, the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul and the Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster reacted to the distress call. HMS Lancaster promptly dispatched a helicopter for surveillance purposes, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the situation from above. In parallel, the U.S. 5th Fleet directed a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to monitor the scene closely.
Approximately an hour later, the situation de-escalated as the merchant vessel confirmed the departure of the fast-attack craft. With the threat eliminated, the merchant ship was able to continue its transit through the Strait of Hormuz without any further incident.
For more information, hit the Source below