Satellite imagery has revealed that two vessels seized by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) last week are currently anchored near Hormuz Island in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to images reviewed by BBC Verify, the ships MSC Francesca and Epaminondas were seen at anchor about 8 kilometres from the island.
Both vessels reportedly came under fire from IRGC forces last Wednesday and were said to have been damaged.
Videos aired by Iranian state media showed IRGC personnel boarding the two ships, although BBC Verify analysis indicates some parts of the footage was filmed after the seizures.
IRGC Naval Command said last week both the Greek-owned Epaminondas and the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca were seized after "endangering" maritime security "by operating without the necessary permits and tampering with navigation systems".
#From BBC