Iran finally released the British oil tanker, Stena Impero, seized by its Revolutionary Guards on July 19 for allegedly violating its “maritime regulations.”
Allahmorad Afifipour, the general manager of Iran’s Hormozgan Maritime and Ports, confirmed the release of British tanker, saying that the vessel will start its voyage from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port to the international waters “soon.”
There were 23 crew members of various nationalities aboard the British-flagged tanker when it was seized in the Strait of Hormuz two weeks after British forces captured an Iranian oil tanker for allegedly violating sanctions on Syria.
Iran’s action signaled a rising tension in the strategic waterway.
The Stena Impero has 18 Indians, 3 Russians, 1 Latvian, and a Filipino national seafarer aboard.
Seven of the crew members were recently released by Iran.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Philippine Ambassador to Iran Fred Santos assured that they are getting in touch with Iranian authorities for the early release of the said Pinoy crew.
(With reports from Bombo Newscenter)
