Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Three Iranian seamen killed by toxic substance on ship in Caspian Sea

Eight crew members remain in hospital 

Zamira Rahim
Friday 19 October 2018 12:22 EDT
Comments
The ship requested assistance when approaching Azerbaijan
The ship requested assistance when approaching Azerbaijan (AFP/Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Three Iranian seamen have died after a toxic substance poisoned all 11 crew members of a cargo ship on the Caspian Sea, according to Iran's official IRNA news agency.

Crew members contacted authorities in Azerbaijan, its destination, as they were approaching the country and requested help.

An Azerbaijani coast guard boat delivered the ill members of the crew to the shore early on Friday.

The crew was taken to hospital in Baku, the capital, but three sailors died on the way to the facility.

The ship's captain stayed aboard the vessel, named Nazmehr, and was given medical help, Azerbaijan's health care ministry said.

IRNA said that the poisoning was under investigation.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

The vessel was carrying grain from Aktau, Kazakhstan.

Ministry spokesman Parviz Abubekirov said preliminary evidence indicated that the crew had been poisoned by chemicals used to protect the grain.

Additional reporting by agencies

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in