Pinoy on seized ship in good spirits; envoy in Iran vows he'd be free –DFA


The Filipino seafarer on the oil tanker seized in Iran was in good health and "good spirits," the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday.
In a statement, the DFA said that Ambassador to Iran Wilfredo C. Santos has reported that Philippine Embassy officials got a chance to get onboard the seized MT Stena Impero on July 19, and were allowed to talk to the Filipino seafarer who was part of the oil tanker's 23 crew members.
“[He] is in good health and in good spirits, and said that the captive crew are treated well and allowed free movement while inside the vessel for their normal duties,” the DFA said.
Also, they were also given the opportunity to communicate with family and allowed Internet access from time to time.
While the vessel is embargoed in Iranian waters, the Filipino seafarer asked authorities that his family to be taken care of.
He also thanked his manning agency and the PHL Embassy for their assistance.
According to the DFA, “Embassy representatives assured the Pinoy seafarer they are working on ways to have him and his crew mates released.”
British-flagged MT Stena Impero is currently at anchor in Iran's Hormozgan Province, which is also home to a major Iranian naval base fronting the Persian Gulf, according to the DFA.
Iran earlier seized the vessel allegedly for getting involved in a maritime accident.
Earlier, the ship's owners said all the crew members of the oil tanker were in good health. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News

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