LONDON, July 20 (Xinhua) -- A tanker was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, with thick smoke rising from the vessel, according to an exclusive recording of ship-to-ship radio communications provided to Xinhua by a crew member on Monday night.
The recording showed that the vessel was the Kuwait-flagged tanker KAIFAN carrying oil and chemicals, and that the incident occurred near the eastern exit of the Strait of Hormuz.
The crew reported that the vessel was attacked on the port-side poop deck, an area close to the bunker tanks.
Heavy smoke was continuously coming out from the damaged area and the bunker tank vents, according to the recording.
The crew said they were attempting to cool down the bunker tank and planned to drop anchor. After anchoring, the crew would monitor the situation and may abandon the vessel if the situation deteriorated further. ■