WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S. forces on Tuesday disabled the steering gear of a Panamanian-flagged cargo vessel as it allegedly tried to breach the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, according to a statement from the U.S. military's Central Command (CENTCOM).

"CENTCOM forces disabled the steering gear of Panama-flagged M/V Vela Nova as the cargo vessel attempted to transit the Gulf of Oman and violate the U.S. blockade against Iran by sailing toward an Iranian port," the statement said.

A U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two missiles into the Vela Nova's engine room, according to the command.

"The missile struck the vessel, causing a fire that was subsequently extinguished," maritime security firm Vanguard said in an initial report on the incident.

"As of Aug. 11, CENTCOM has redirected 55 commercial vessels attempting to run the blockade, disabled three non-compliant vessels, and boarded two," the command said.