Following initial confusion about which ship was shot at, seized and confiscated by Iran, with Arabiya and Farsnews reporting it was a US ship with 34 soldiers on board, while the Pentagon subsequently stating there were no US personnel on the cargo ship which was a Marshall Island-flagged cargo vessel, the Maersk Tigris, the situation still remains fluid, especially considering the latest news out of the Pentagon:
- U.S. SENT DESTROYER AND AIRCRAFT TO MONITOR SHIP, WARREN SAYS
But why if it isn't a US ship? And how will Iran react when the US naval "cavalry" arrives in its territorial waters?
Some more news on the ship in question: according to Bloomberg, the Maersk Tigris cargo vessel was in international waters when taken by Iranian navy, Cor Radings, external spokesman for Rickmers Ship Management, says by phone. Rickmers is manager of vessel. 24 crew on board ship; not known why vessel was taken. Rickmers trying to re-establish contact with vessel.
Meanwhile, those curious can track the confiscated Tigris, in real time courtesy of Marine Traffic (link [3]). One thing is clear: there are no US cargo ships anywhere in the vicinity of the Tigris...
[4]
... although there may be some military ones soon. That's a different story.
As for this being "only" a Marshall Islands ship, a good question was asked moments ago:
The US is responsible for Marshall Islands Defence under the Compact of Free Association. Does this cover protecting its commercial vessels?
— ???? ?? ????? (@FaisalbinFarhan) April 28, 2015 [5]
