The owner of the seized tanker Stena Impero, Stena Bulk, said that the continued detainment of the vessel and its crew by the Iranian authorities “remains unacceptable and unjustifiable.”
“We are maintaining limited communication with the crew onboard and although they remain in good health considering the circumstances, we continue to be concerned about their welfare given the amount of time they have been in confinement,” Erik Hanell, President and CEO, Stena Bulk said.
Stena Bulk and Northern Marine Management informed that they continue to work with all appropriate authorities, including UK and other national governments, to secure the release of the crew.
This has included face to face meetings with senior government representation.
“We are confident this matter is being given the high priority level it warrants, and we will do everything possible to ensure the Stena Impero remains at the forefront of their agendas,” Hanell added.
“On behalf of Latvian authorities, a Finnish consulate visit to the Latvian crewmember onboard the vessel took place on Saturday 3rd August. The Finnish representative advised that the crew were in good health, however the duration of their confinement remains of considerable concern to the crew.”
Stena Bulk and Northern Marine Management have yet to receive an official answer from the Iranian authorities regarding their request to attend the vessel .
The 46,575 cbm Stena Impero was seized by Iranian forces in what is perceived as a retaliatory measure after the UK detained a 300,000 dwt tanker on suspicion it was carrying a shipment of Iranian crude oil to Syria.
Following the Stena Impero seizure, the UK urged British-flagged ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz.