New Delhi, April 22 -- The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has officially dismissed online reports alleging that an Indian-linked vessel fell victim to cyber criminals or extortion in West Asian waters.

During an inter-ministerial briefing on Wednesday, Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangal addressed rumours circulating about the vessel Sanmar Herald.

The reports had suggested that the ship's captain made unauthorised USD payments to individuals claiming to represent the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) Navy in exchange for safe passage.

He said, "News is spreading about the reported payment by the captain of the vessel Sanmar Herald in USD to persons claiming to represent the IRGC Navy to grant right of passage and fall...