Stock Photo: Evgeny Shulin / Shutterstock
The youngest crew member aboard a tanker seized by Iran last week is headed home, according to the ship’s manager.
Greece-based Empire Navigation announced the release of the Greek cadet, who is now on board a flight home escorted by the Greek Ambassador to Iran.
Empire Navigation manages the M/T St. Nikolas, which was seized by Iranian forces in the Gulf of Oman on January 11 over a long-standing dispute with the United States. The company said previously that its crew consisted of 19, including 18 Filipino nationals and one Greek national.
“Regardless of this positive news, our Company remains committed to the safe release of all crew members. The remaining 18 seafarers, still onboard the vessel anchored at Bandar Abbas in Iran, are in good health and in contact with their families,” the company said in an update.
The St. Nikoloas is carrying about a million barrels Iraqi crude oil loaded in Basrah, Iraq and destined to Aliaga, Turkey. The charterer of the vessel is Turkey-based Tupras.
Iran’s seizure of the vessel comes in retaliation to the U.S. confiscation of an Iranian oil cargo from the ship last year.
Empire Navigation says it has established contact with the Filipino Ambassador to Iran who will be visiting St. Nikolas once all arrangements are made with local authorities.
“The safety and wellbeing of our crew and their families will always be top priorities for our Company. We remain in constant cooperation with the seafarers’ families, working with specialized professionals to provide mental health and psychological support during this emotional and difficult time. Family members will have access to these resources until all seafarers are safely released, at which time the seafarers themselves will have support as long as advised by medical professionals,” the company said.
Empire Navigation added it maintains in close contact with all appropriate authorities as it works to secure the safe release of the remaining crew members.
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