Iran is going to free seven crew members of the detained British-flagged vessel Stena Impero, reported by Iranian media on Wednesday, although the vessel’s owner said it had yet to receive any official confirmation of the release date.
Earlier, the seizure of an Iranian oil tanker, Grace 1 by British officials in Gibraltar, believed to have been carrying oil to Syria, which is, according to authorities is a violation of European Union sanctions on Syria. This incident increased the tension in Gulf sea and as a retaliation act, Iran then seized a British-flagged tanker, Stena Impero, accusing that it had collided with a fishing boat and violated international maritime laws.
Iran later denied that seizure of a British-flagged vessel had no connection with the seizure of Grace 1 and therefore Iran refrained from releasing Stena Impero even after the British move to release the detained Iranian vessel.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi briefed media that the seven, who include Indian citizens, were allowed to leave the tanker on humanitarian grounds and could leave Iran soon.
“We have no problem with the crew and the captain and the issue is violations that the vessel committed,” Mousavi said.
“We are very pleased that for seven crew members their ordeal may soon be over, and they may return to their families, however, we cautiously await official confirmation of their release date,” Erik Hanell, Stena Bulk’s president and chief executive, praised the Tehran’s move in a statement.
“We view this communication as a positive step on the way to the release of all the remaining crew, which has always been our primary concern and focus,” he added.
The company said the remaining 16 crew members would remain on board for safe and orderly conduction of the vessel’s operations and timely maintenance.
