WANA (Sep 14) – The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said the supertanker El Gaia, maritime identification number 9325336, exploded after hitting naval mines while attempting to pass through a restricted area south of the Strait of Hormuz.

 

According to a statement issued by the IRGC Navy, efforts to contain the fire were unsuccessful, leaving the tanker engulfed in flames.

 

The statement said warnings had previously been issued about the dangers of using the unauthorized passage.

 

The IRGC Navy also said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and under its “smart control.”