US Navy rescues Iranian drug smugglers from burning ship off Oman

By AP 16 December 2021, 4:52 pm

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In this handout photograph from the US Navy, a traditional dhow sailing vessel suspected of smuggling drugs burns in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. (US Navy via AP)

The US Navy says it has rescued five Iranians suspected of smuggling drugs after they apparently set fire to their stash on board a traditional sailing vessel off the coast of Oman.

The Navy releases aerial surveillance footage showing the traditional ship, known as a dhow, as it sailed in the Gulf of Oman yesterday. Those on board pour a liquid, likely an accelerant, over the cargo hold as the Navy approaches. Smoke then pours from the vessel after those on board apparently set the fire, with an explosion rocking the ship.

The five Iranians rescued from the dhow received medical treatment and have been handed over to authorities in Oman, the Navy said. One additional Iranian on board the dhow remains missing.