Pinoy sailor of seized oil tanker released — DFA


A Filipino crewman was among the 23 sailors of a British-flagged oil tanker released by the government of Iran after more than two months in captivity, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday.
"Ambassador to Iran Wilfredo Santos conveyed to Iranian authorities the appreciation of the Philippine government for releasing the said Filipino crew member, who is the Second Officer of the Stena Impero, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all crew members of the Stena Impero," the DFA said in a statement.
MT Stena Impero was captured by Iranian authorities on the evening of July 19 while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said the United Kingdom-registered oil tanker was in an accident with an Iranian fishing boat and ignored its distress call.
The vessel was reportedly boarded by unidentified intruders following an approach by small crafts and a helicopter while transiting the Strait of Hormuz in international waters.
The Philippines is one of the world’s largest providers of shipping manpower in the world.
A bulk of Filipino seamen or more than 20 percent of the world’s 1.2 million sailors are manning oil tankers, luxury liners, and passenger and fishing vessels worldwide, exposing them to piracy attacks. — RSJ, GMA News

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