Reporting indicates that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have detained two Greek-flagged oil tankers in the Persian Gulf on May 27. The vessels have been identified as the MV Delta Poseidon, and the MV Prudent Warrior.
The two vessels stopped transmitting on AIS, at 13:06UTC, and 11:08UTC respectively. Both vessels were boarded by IRGC helicopters, who subsequently detained the vessels and crews. The last position received for both vessels was in international waters. Commenting on the incident, Athens said both actions violated international law.
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This incident comes against the backdrop of the seizure of the Iranian crude oil tanker anchored off the Greek island of Evia in the Aegean Sea on the 26th of May 2022. The tanker registered as LANA, formerly known as PEGAS, has been operating under the Iranian flag since the 1st of May 2022 and was previously owned by a Russian company.
The tanker was sanctioned by Greek authorities for carrying sanctioned Iranian oil. In response, the Iranian Port and Maritime Organization called the incident an act of piracy and demanded that Greece respect maritime law.
As for Iran, its state maritime body said that the crew of two Greek tankers had not been detained, are in good health, and are being cared for on board their vessels.
The crew of the two Greek tankers have not been arrested, and all crew members are in good health and are being protected, and provided with necessary services while on board, in accordance with international law
Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization said in a statement carried by state media.
