Iran releases youngest St Nikolas seafarer

Iran releases youngest St Nikolas seafarer
Nick Savvides | Jan 19, 2024 https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/tankers/iran-releases-youngest-st-niko...

Empire Navigation operator of the St Nikolas says a Greek seafarer from the 19-person St Nikolas crew has been released by the Iranian authorities.

St Nikolas was seized by the Iranian Navy in the Gulf of Oman on 11 January with 18 Filipino crew and one Greek sailor, who is a cadet.

The company released a statement yesterday evening revealing the “Safe release of the youngest crew member” of the ship.

“The Greek cadet, escorted by the Greek Ambassador to Iran, is onboard a flight to return home. Regardless of this positive news, our company remains committed to the safe release of all crew members. The remaining 18 seafarers, still onboard the vessel anchored at Bandar Abbas in Iran, are in good health and in contact with their families.”

Empire has also made contact with the Filipino ambassador to Iran, who the company said will visit the ship and the remaining crew, on an unspecified date. The Philippines Government is continuing negotiations for the safe release of the vessel’s complement.