Iran Gunboats Hit U.S.-Owned Supertanker

Iranian gunboats attacked a U.S.-owned supertanker pleading for help from an American warship in the southern Persian Gulf today, shipping sources said.

It was the second time in two days Iranian forces struck a U.S.-owned--but not U.S.-flagged--merchant vessel, evidently in retaliation for Iraqi air raids on ships in the Iranian oil export shuttle service.

The attacks occurred as the 18th convoy of reflagged Kuwaiti tankers sailed south through the tense Persian Gulf, shepherded by two U.S. Navy frigates.

“American warship, American warship,” the captain of the 260,831-ton, Bahamian-flagged Esso Freeport radioed as two Iranian boats raced up and fired four or five rocket-propelled grenades.

No Injuries, Minor Damage

The vessel, carrying Saudi Arabian crude, was reported steaming at full speed out of the gulf after coming under attack off the United Arab Emirates, the shipping insurer Lloyd’s of London said.

No assistance was required, Lloyd’s added, indicating no injuries and only minor damage to the supertanker, which had entered the Persian Gulf last Wednesday.

A shipping dispatcher who monitored the distress call said the Esso Freeport captain twice called for help, shouting over the radio.

“He started yelling they were firing at him. ‘American warship, this is Esso Freeport,’ but he got no response,” the dispatcher said.

U.S. warships routinely patrol the southern end of the gulf but under Navy rules of engagement are prohibited from interceding in attacks on ships not flying the Stars and Stripes.