Gov't working on release of Filipino seafarer after Iran seized tanker

Gov't working on release of Filipino seafarer after Iran seized tanker
CNN Philippines Staff Jul 20, 2019 https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/7/20/filipino-seafarer-iran-seized-...

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 20) — The government is taking steps to make sure the Filipino seafarer on board a British-flagged ship that was seized by Iranian authorities Friday night will be back home safe.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday said it is "actively monitoring" the situation of the oil tanker Stena Impero, which was reportedly held by the Iranian navy at the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway between Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

The DFA confirmed international reports that a Filipino is among the 23 crew members, along with 18 Indians, three Russians, and a Latvian.

"Ambassador to Iran Fred Santos is contacting Iranian authorities to seek assurance that the Filipino seafarer is safe and will be released soon," the DFA said in a statement, without naming the Filipino.

Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola has received a report that the crew is safe and the vessel is on its way to the coast of Iran, the DFA added.

It said the Filipino seafarer's family has been notified by the Philippine-based manning agency about the incident.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps accused Stena Impero of "violating international regulations," according to state-run media. UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, however condemned the move, saying it violates freedom of navigation.

This is the latest in the string of maritime episodes involving Iran since tensions with the US escalated in June. An American drone was shot down at the Strait of Hormuz that month, resulting in a military standoff. Last week, armed Iranian boats reportedly tried to block another British oil tanker in the Persian Gulf, CNN reports.