Two Scottish linked oil tankers seized by Iran in Gulf
●Hunt says action is unacceptable as Foreign Office works to resolve situation
Two oil tankers with links to Scotland have been seized by Iranian authorities in the Persian Gulf, it has been confirmed.
The Stena Impero, managed by Clydebank-headquartered Northern Marine Management was taken by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday afternoon for “violating international maritime rules”. A short time later, the Liberian-flagged MV Mesdar – owned and operated by Glasgow-based firm Norbulk – made a sharp turn towards the Iranian coast.
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the seizures were unacceptable.
The 183-metre long Impero left the United Arab Emirates yesterday and was bound for the port of Al Jubail in Saudi Arabia.
A statement from Stena Bulk, which
owns the tanker, said ship manager Northern Marine Management had lost contact with the crew of 23 after “unidentified small crafts and a helicopter” approached the vessel at about 4pm.
It is understood none of the crew on either vessel are British citizens.
Stena Bulk said: “There are 23 seafarers aboard. There have been no reported injuries and their safety is of primary concern to both owners and managers.
“The priority of both vessel owner Stena Bulk and ship manager Northern Marine Management is the safety and welfare of the crew.
“We are in close contact with UK government authorities.”
The Tasnim news agency quoted the Ports and Maritime Organisation of Iran as saying: “We received some reports on the British oil tanker, Stena Impero, causing problems.
“We asked the military forces to guide this tanker towards Bandar Abbas port to have the required investigations carried out.”
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard-affiliated news agency said the tanker was seized for breaking three regulations: shutting down its GPS; going through the exit of the Strait of Hormuz rather than the entrance; and ignoring warnings.
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “Our ambassador in Tehran is in contact with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve the situation and we are working closely with international partners.
“These seizures are unacceptable. It is essential that freedom of navigation is maintained and that all ships can move safely and freely in the region.”
The latest incident follows on from recent heightened tensions in the Gulf involving Iran, the US and UK.
Last week, the Royal Navy warship frigate HMS Montrose drove off three Iranian vessels which tried to stop the commercial ship British Heritage as it sailed through the Strait of Hormuz.
Fears were raised that the Iranian authorities were trying to seize a UK ship in retaliation for the detention of the Grace 1 tanker.
The Iranian ship was detained off the coast of Gibraltar on 4 July after it was suspected of violating EU sanctions by carrying a cargo of crude oil destined for Syria.
The ship’s captain, chief officer and two second officers were arrested and bailed and an investigation is ongoing.
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the tanker’s seizure an act of “piracy” on Tuesday and warned the UK to expect a response.
On Thursday, US president Donald Trump said an American warship shot down an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz – something denied by Iranian military officials.