19 days after the seizure of the British-flagged tanker ‘Stena Impero’ by Iranian authorities at the Strait of Hormuz, the vessel still remains detained along with its 23 crew members, which is “unacceptable and unjustifiable”, said the owner Tuesday.
Stena Impero has been a key area of discussions after being detained by Iranian authorities in mid-July in the Strait of Hormuz, amid an ongoing tension between Iran and the West.
We are maintaining limited communication with the crew onboard and although they remain in good health considering the circumstances, we continue to be concerned about their welfare given the amount of time they have been in confinement,
…Erik Hanell, President and CEO, Stena Bulk said.
While Tehran claims that the seizure came after the vessel was involved in a collision with a fishing vessel, the incident was considered as a retaliation to the seizure of the Iranian ‘Grace 1’ by UK Royal Marines near Gibraltar, over suspected breach of EU sanctions earlier in July, further escalating diplomatic tensions in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping line for world’s oil supply.
Stena Bulk and Northern Marine Management continue to work with all appropriate authorities, including UK and other national governments, to secure the release of the crew. This has included face to face meetings with senior government representation. We are confident this matter is being given the high priority level it warrants, and we will do everything possible to ensure the Stena Impero remains at the forefront of their agendas,
…Mr. Hanell said in a latest update Tuesday.
Hanell added that a Finnish consulate visit to the Stena Impero, on behalf of Latvian authorities, took place on 3 August.
The Finnish representative advised that the crew were in good health, however the duration of their confinement remains of considerable concern to the crew.
The company’s daily contact with the crew members’ families continues.
Stena Bulk has earlier noted there were no indications that the ship breached any rules.
As such, it has requested to attend the vessel, but it has yet to receive an official answer from the Iranian authorities, the company informed.
The vessel’s 23 seafarers are of Indian, Russian, Latvian and Filipino nationality.
