Officials from the Philippines and Ukraine have confirmed that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has released some of the seafarers from the Greek-owned containership, Epimonidas, which was seized in April. A total of eight crew members have been repatriated, with expectations for more releases in the near future. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that four crew members have returned to Ukraine and reunited with their families, thanks to efforts coordinated through the Ukrainian embassy in Greece.
The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers announced that four crew members arrived back in the Philippines on June 22, in good health but undergoing medical checks. Previously, two other seafarers had already returned, while another is expected soon. Three crew members remain in Iran, with hopes for their repatriation pending clearance from Iranian military authorities.
The Epimonidas, registered in Liberia and managed by Greece’s Techomar group, was seized while trying to navigate the Strait of Hormuz. It was reportedly fired upon when approximately eight nautical miles from Iran, resulting in significant damage to the ship. The IRGC has claimed that both the Epimonidas and another vessel, the MSC Francesca, attempted to enter the Strait without permission. Iran has previously targeted MSC vessels, associating them with Israeli interests.
