PHL seeks release of Filipino sailor aboard seized oil tanker in Iran


The Philippine government is coordinating with Iranian authorities to ensure the safety and immediate release of the Filipino sailor who was among the 23 crewmembers of a British-flagged vessel seized by Iran on Friday night.
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.
"Ambassador to Iran Fred Santos is contacting Iranian authorities to seek assurance that the Filipino seafarer is safe and will be released soon," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Saturday.
The Philippine-based manning agency of the Filipino has already informed his family about the incident and is providing the necessary assistance, the DFA said.
Its foreign counterpart is also in touch with UK authorities on the whereabouts of the ship and the condition of the seafarers on board.
"The manning agency said there were no reported injuries and vessel was known to be heading to the coast of Iran," the DFA said.
MT Stena Impero was reportedly boarded by unidentified intruders following an approach by small crafts and a helicopter while transiting the Strait of Hormuz in international waters.
Authorities were unable to contact the vessel which is now tracking as heading north towards Iran.
Iran news agency Fars said all 23 crew Stena Impera were now at Bandar Abbas port and would remain on the vessel until the end of an investigation.
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 and sea accidents. — MDM, GMA News

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