US jet disables bulk carrier Ocean Molica it says tried to run Iran blockade

A US fighter jet struck the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Ocean Molica in the Gulf of Oman on 10 October, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said, according to a Reuters report carried by gCaptain. CENTCOM said the ship, also known as Arika Sun, had sailed from an Iranian port and was attempting to break the US naval blockade of Iran after its crew disregarded several warnings. The command said a precision munition hit the vessel's stern and knocked out its propulsion, and that no crew members were hurt. It also urged ships near the Strait of Hormuz to follow blockade instructions. Reuters said it could not immediately reach the operator. Bulgarian outlet Maritime.bg reports that the ship was built in 1996.

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