US Navy Rescues Seven Mariners from Sinking Iranian Vessel in Persian Gulf

The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard successfully rescued seven sailors from the sinking Iranian vessel Shayesteh in the Persian Gulf, as announced by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The vessel, which had issued a mayday call, was found listing heavily and ultimately sank after the crew abandoned ship. The rescue involved both the USS Devastator and the Coast Guard Cutter Clarence Sutphin Jr., which provided medical care to the five Iranian and two Indian sailors. Notably, the Shayesteh was flying a Qatari flag, a common practice in territorial waters, despite being Iranian-owned. This incident underscores the strategic importance of the Persian Gulf and the ongoing humanitarian efforts by U.S. naval forces in the region. CENTCOM highlighted that this rescue follows a history of similar aid provided to Iranian sailors in distress.