Vela Nova fired on from helicopter
A US official said early Tuesday that the Panama-flagged Vela Nova was fired on in the Gulf of Oman as it tried to breach the US naval blockade of Iranian ports.
The official said a US helicopter fired on the ship's rudder after it ignored warnings from American personnel. The official also said the crew appeared to be trying to transfer to another civilian vessel after the attack.
Missile strike sparks fire
Maritime security firm Vanguard said the container ship was hit by a missile fired from a helicopter while sailing westward in the Gulf of Oman.
The Vela Nova was located about 71 nautical miles, or 131 kilometers, off the coast of Pakistan. The fire that broke out on board after the missile strike was later extinguished.
No casualties were reported immediately after the incident. All 17 crew members on board were accounted for, authorities said.