Iran detains bulk carrier accused of dumping oil and sludge in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian officials in Hormozgan province detained a bulk carrier after it was alleged to have discharged burnt oil, bilge water and industrial sludge into the Strait of Hormuz, contaminating the sea. Deputy head Esmaeil Makizadeh of the Ports and Maritime Department cited photographic evidence that led to the deployment of expert and cleanup crews, and the vessel—carrying sugar—was seized and handed over to the judiciary.

He did not disclose the ship’s flag or crew nationalities, but confirmed the waste had been removed from the water. The incident follows a series of recent oil spills near Iran’s Qeshm island and an earlier tanker grounding near Oman’s Al-Qibliyyah island, which one outlet probe linked to explosions. Iran, which has controlled the strait since the regional conflict began, is seeking compensation for these spills and intends to charge fees on passing vessels to fund environmental protection, a move opposed by the United States.