16 seafarers killed in Persian Gulf, Black Sea; Saudi official calls seizure of sealanes ‘criminal act’

At least 16 seafarers lost their lives in two separate incidents in the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea. A Saudi Arabian official condemned the seizures of sealanes as a 'criminal act'.

The first incident involved an attack on a cargo ship in the Persian Gulf, resulting in the death of 13 seafarers. The second incident occurred in the Black Sea, where three seafarers were killed after their vessel was attacked.

The Saudi official's statement comes amidst increasing tensions in the region, with several attacks on oil tankers and other vessels in recent months.