One Greek Crew Member Freed from Iranian Oil Tanker, 18 Others Remain Aboard

One crew member of the oil tanker St. Nikolas has been released by Iran after being captured in the Gulf of Oman. The tanker, owned by Empire Navigation, was transporting 145,000 tons of oil from Iraq to Turkey when it was intercepted and escorted to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. The Greek cadet who was freed from the crew is flying back to Athens with Greece’s envoy to Iran. The remaining crew members, including 18 Filipinos, are still on board the tanker, which is anchored in Bandar Abbas. Communication with the vessel is currently disabled, and Iran claims the seizure was retaliation for the United States’ alleged theft of Iranian oil from the same tanker last year.

Efforts are being made to secure the release of the remaining crew members, with the ambassador of the Philippines in Iran involved in negotiations. The crew members have been in communication with their families and are reported to be in good health. Tensions remain high, with the Greek Foreign Ministry also involved in efforts to secure the release of the crew members and return the cadet home. Diplomatic channels are closely monitoring the situation.

Source .