Saudi Says It Has Rescued Distressed Iranian Oil Tanker

Saudi Arabia says its coast guard has rescued a distressed Iranian oil tanker off the Red Sea port of Jiddah.

Officials said early on May 2 that it had received an emergency call from the Happiness 1 vessel regarding “engine failure and the loss of control.”

The location was described as 70 kilometers south of Jiddah.

The vessel had a crew of 26 sailors, of which 24 were Iranians and two were Bangladeshis, officials said.

The Arab News quoted a Saudi Coast Guard official as saying all crew members were safe and that all necessary precautions were being taken to avoid any environmental damage.