Eight crew members from the MV Epaminondas have been released after months of detention following the vessel’s seizure by Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz. Four Filipino crew members returned home on June 23, receiving support from the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers, while others await repatriation clearance.
Leaders in Norway and Iceland have voiced caution over proposals to seize vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. Both Prime Ministers clarified their nations are not pursuing ship seizures, while considering enhanced inspections in the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea. Emphasis remains on ensuring maritime safety and compliance amidst ongoing sanctions.
Finnish police announced on Monday the lifting of the seizure of the Fitburg cargo ship, previously held for allegedly sabotaging an undersea telecoms cable. While the investigation continues, the Baltic Sea region remains on high alert due to multiple outages since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. NATO has increased its military presence in response.
The U.S. is intensifying efforts to intercept vessels transporting Venezuelan oil, following the seizure of a tanker—the first since 2019 sanctions. This military buildup aims to pressure President Maduro, prompting shipowners to reconsider operations in Venezuelan waters as risks escalate. Seizures target vessels linked to sanctioned nations like Iran.
The Indian Coast Guard intercepted 53 kilograms of ganja near the India-Sri Lankan maritime boundary line, valued at Rs 60 lakh. The operation, conducted this morning, utilized an air-cushion vehicle to discover packages on First Island. Further investigation led to the recovery of twelve abandoned packets. The contraband will be handed over to Customs for action.
