Iranian patrol approaches US forces in Strait of Hormuz
An Iranian naval patrol boat shined a laser at a Marine Corps helicopter flying over the Strait of Hormuz in what officials said was an unsafe encounter.
US Navy Commander Bill Urban said Wednesday the Iranian vessel also turned its spotlight on two Navy ships that were moving through the strait on Tuesday.
Urban, a U.S. Fifth Fleet spokesman, said the Iranian boat came within 800 yards of the USS Bataan, an amphibious assault ship, and scanned it from bow to stern with the spotlight.
It also shined the light on the USS Cole, a guided missile destroyer.
Marine CH-53E Super Stallion heavy lift helicopter automatically fired flares after an Iranian boat shined a laser at the pilot. Pictured is one of the helicopters during a visit to Malta
The incident took place in the Strait of Hormuz (pictured) on Tuesday, US officials revealed Wednesday
The Marine CH-53E Super Stallion heavy lift helicopter automatically fired flares in response to the laser.
No one was injured and there was no damage to the ships.
A third American vessel, the USNS Washington Chambers cargo ship, was accompanying the others but was not affected.
Urban said the action was considered unsafe because 'illuminating helicopters with lasers at night is dangerous as it creates a navigational hazard that can impair vision and can be disorienting to pilots using night vision goggles.'
An Iranian naval patrol boat shined a laser at a Marine Corps helicopter flying over the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. Pictured is a Iranian speedboat on patrol in July 2012