The crew of a tanker seized by Iran’s navy this week in a row with the United States are safe, according to the vessel’s Greek owners. Empire Navigation, the company that owns the Marshall Islands-flagged ship named St. Nikolas, released a statement confirming that an associate had contacted Iranian authorities and reported the well-being of all 19 crew members, which includes 18 Filipinos and one Greek.
The incident occurred when Iran claimed to have seized the ship off Oman as retaliation for the alleged “theft” of its oil from the same tanker, previously known as the Suez Rajan, by the United States last year. The United States, in response, condemned the seizure as “unlawful” and demanded the immediate release of the ship and its crew.
It is worth noting that Iran has previously responded with tit-for-tat measures after seizures of Iranian oil shipments. These actions come amidst the backdrop of crippling US sanctions imposed on Iran following Washington’s withdrawal from the 2018 nuclear deal. The sanctions specifically target Iranian oil and petrochemical sales with the aim of reducing Iran’s energy exports.
The St. Nikolas had been loaded with 145,000 tonnes of crude oil in Basra, Iraq, and was en route to Aliaga, Turkey via the Suez Canal. However, British maritime risk company Ambrey revealed that the tanker, previously known as the Suez Rajan, had been prosecuted and fined for carrying sanctioned Iranian oil in the past. The oil was confiscated by US authorities.
In fact, back in September, the United States had seized the Suez Rajan and its cargo of 980,000 barrels of crude oil. The US Department of Justice had alleged that the oil on the Greek-managed tanker was being sold by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to China.
The Gulf of Oman, a crucial route for the oil industry that separates Oman and Iran, has witnessed several hijackings and attacks over the years, often involving Iran. The region is also on high alert due to recent drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
While the situation remains tense, the confirmation that the crew of the seized tanker is safe is a relief. It is essential for all parties involved to engage in diplomatic dialogue to de-escalate the situation and ensure the well-being of the crew members.
Source: The Manila Times
