The US Central Command announced on Tuesday (April 28) that US Marine Corps members conducted a search on a commercial ship attempting to violate the US blockade in the Arabian Sea by rappelling from helicopters onto the vessel.
According to the Central Command, earlier today, Marine Corps members of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit of the US Navy conducted a search on the commercial ship “M/V Blue Star III” in the Arabian Sea.
“The ship was suspected of violating the US blockade on Iranian ports, attempting to sail towards Iran. After conducting a search and confirming that the ship’s voyage would not include a stop at an Iranian port, the ship was allowed to continue its journey,” the Central Command stated.
“The US military continues to operate in the Middle East region, carrying out blockade missions. So far, 39 vessels have been redirected to ensure compliance with the blockade order,” the Central Command added.
A video accompanying the command’s report showed US Marine Corps members swiftly rappelling from helicopters onto the commercial ship.
The “Blue Star III” is at least the fourth commercial ship inspected by the US military since the blockade of Iranian shipping began on April 13, but the first one that was not detained by the US military. The US blockade on Iran aims to exert pressure on Iran during a ceasefire in hostilities.
Data from ship tracking websites indicate that the “Blue Star III” cargo ship departed from Kasim Port in Pakistan and is heading towards Sohar Port in Oman.
On Tuesday, the Central Command also summarized the impact of the blockade on Iranian ports. Another post from the command stated that before the US military blockade, an average of five vessels would anchor or dock at the Chah Bahar port in Iran daily. However, due to the ongoing blockade cutting off Iran’s economic trade flows, over 20 vessels are now stranded at the Chah Bahar port.
Shortly after the blockade started, General Dan Kane, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, mentioned that the enforcement actions would extend beyond Iranian waters and the US Central Command’s controlled area.
The Pentagon also outlined in detail various types of goods deemed prohibited, and announced that “regardless of location,” vessels violating the embargo would face the risk of being boarded, searched, and detained by the US military.