Iran says it seized Hormuz cargo ship over pollution

Iranian authorities said they seized a bulk carrier in the Strait of Hormuz after accusing it of dumping oil and sludge into the sea, state media reported Monday.

Esmaeil Makizadeh, deputy head of the Ports and Maritime Department in southern Hormozgan province, told the official IRNA news agency that expert and clean-up teams were sent after images of oil being discharged into the sea were published.

Makizadeh said the seized ship was carrying sugar and had dumped a mixture of burnt oil, bilge water and industrial sludge directly into the water. He did not give the vessel's flag or the nationalities of its crew.

He said the waste had since been cleaned from the water and the ship had been referred to the judiciary.

Iran has demanded compensation after several oil spills in recent weeks, including near Qeshm island. In early August, an oil slick was also spotted near Oman from a tanker that ran aground. AFP found that the tanker had been stranded for weeks near Oman's Al-Qibliyyah island after being damaged by explosions.

Iran has maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz since the Middle East war began in February. It has said it plans to charge fees from transiting vessels to fund services including environmental protection. The United States opposes fees in the strait.