DFA reports 18 Filipino sailors detained in Oman

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the Philippines is seeking information on the alleged hijacking of the MV St. Nikolas oil tanker by the Iran regime in Oman. As of now, there is no official confirmation of the incident. According to reports, up to five armed masked men boarded the St. Nikolas in the Gulf of Oman, and the tanker is owned by Greece-based Empire Navigation. A maritime security expert, speaking anonymously, stated that Iran has confirmed responsibility for the hijacking of the oil tanker, which was carrying 145,000 tons of oil from Iraq to Turkey. The vessel is manned by 19 crew members, including 18 Filipinos and one Greek, and unconfirmed reports suggest that security cameras were covered after the armed men boarded the tanker.

The DFA spokesperson, Ma. Teresita Daza, has stated that they are awaiting the official report on the incident. The UK Maritime Trade Operations also reported the alleged hijacking, advising vessel operators on incidents involving shipping. Empire Navigation, the tanker’s owner, has confirmed that the vessel is manned by 19 crew members, and the incident is still under investigation. The US-controlled and Greek-operated tanker was reportedly carrying a large quantity of oil when it was hijacked. The DFA is working to gather more information on the situation and the condition of the Filipino crew members involved.

Source .