Frigate Hit Mine Field, U.S. Says

WASHINGTON — The guided-missile frigate Samuel B. Roberts encountered a Persian Gulf mine field with numerous mines Thursday morning before its hull was ripped open by one of the underwater explosives, Pentagon officials said today.

The frigate had come to an almost complete stop in the water at the time of the explosion after successfully maneuvering away from several mines spotted by lookouts, the officials said. Ten sailors were injured by the blast. (Story, Page 8.) “. . . We’re pretty much convinced this is a new field that was just laid,” said one source who requested anonymity. “And we certainly suspect the Iranians are behind it.”