IRISL Chief: Attack on Tosca Vessel Was a War Crime, to Be Pursued in International Courts

According to Mehr News Agency, Mohammadreza Modarres Khiabani, CEO of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) group, told the company's annual general meeting that its container ship Tosca was attacked by the US Navy during a ceasefire while carrying Red Crescent linked medicine and dialysis patient supplies. He said the vessel's engine room was struck and 28 crew members, including two spouses and an 11 year old child of crew, were detained. He called the attack a war crime and a ceasefire violation and said IRISL would pursue the matter in international courts. He added that more than 85 percent of Iran's cargo is transported by sea, calling the security of the shipping industry vital to the national economy.