Iranian tanker on fire after explosion near Jeddah

An Iranian oil tanker was on fire following an explosion on Friday near the Saudi port city of Jeddah, which has also resulted in an oil spill in the Red Sea, state-media reported.

The incident took place some 60 miles from Jeddah early Friday, Iran's Press TV reported citing informed sources as saying.

The explosion reportedly hit the National Iranian Tanker Company's (NITC) tanker's hull, causing heavy damages to the vessel's two main reservoirs, which caused the oil spill.

Technical experts were currently investigating the cause of the explosion. They believe it was a "terrorist attack", unnamed sources told Iran's ISNA news agency.

A statement by NITC said the SABITY tanker was hit by two separate explosions at 5 and 5.20 a.m. Friday, probably after being struck by missiles.

It said the crew members were safe and none of them has been harmed in the explosions.

The tanker is currently in a stable condition, the statement added.IANS