MNA � Iranian President Hassan Rouhani expressed condolences over the martyrdom of a number of the Navy crew members in the southern Iranian waters and prayed for the recovery of the injured.

In a message of condolence to Commander of Iran's Army Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, President Rouhani noted, �The tragic incident regarding the vessel of Iran�s Army which led to the martyrdom and injury of a number of the Army�s sailors while striving to maintain and strengthen the country's defense power brought us deep sorrow and grief.�

�I praise the services provided by these defenders of our homeland and offer my heartfelt condolences to you, brave Army soldiers, and the bereaved families from the bottom of my heart. I also pray God Almighty to bestow the highest places in heaven upon the martyrs and recovery on the injured.� Rouhani said.

On Sunday afternoon, an incident happened to the Konarak support vessel during a naval drill with other ships in waters near Iran's southern Jask port.

The Konarak is a Hendijan-class support ship.

According to the Navy, 19 crewmembers were martyred and 15 others were injured as a result of the tragic incident.

The Army�s Public Relations Department said that the cause of the incident is under investigation.