City
Epaper

Seized ship owner appeals to Modi to intervene

By IANS | Updated: August 9, 2019 23:10 IST

The owner of British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero, which was seized by Iran on July 19 with 23 crew, including 18 Ind on board, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally intervene to seek the release of the vessel.

Open in App

In a letter to the Prime Minister, 'Stena Bulk's chief executive and president Erik Hanell, said since the ship was seized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards while passing through the Hormuz Strait, the crew members, 18 Indian, three Russian, one Filipino and one Latvian have been detained on the vessel at anchor off Bandar Abbas.

Hanell said while the seafarers are proud professionals, "they are becoming increasingly concerned about their fate and their families, increasingly worried about the continued detention of their loved ones, particularly as they are guilty of no crime".

He said that Stena Impero and the crew acted in a professional manner and broke no rules or regulations whether local or international.

"Despite our repeated requests for access to the vessel, so far this has not been permitted for evidence gathering."

He said the ship has no involvement in geo-political matters, nor wishes to have any.

He thanked for the visit by Indian Embassy officials in Tehran to the vessel in Bandra Abbas to meet the crew.

"However, before the situation with those on board and with their families becomes more distressing, I would request you to personally intervene and ask for the release of the crew back to their families, who anxiously await their safe return."

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the Indian embassy in Tehran is in "constant contact" with the Iranian authorities for the release and repatriation of the 18 Indian crew members on board Stena Impero.

The ship was seized by Iran in retaliation after its own tanker Grace 1 was detained by Britain in the Strait of Gibraltar,

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: Stena ImperoS JaishankarStena Bulkiran
Open in App

Related Stories

NationalPahalgam Terror Attack: PM Modi Chairs Cabinet Committee on Security

LifestyleHappy Nowruz 2025: Share Wishes, WhatsApp Messages and Quotes to Family and Friends on Parsi New Year

NationalEAM S Jaishankar Enjoys an Elephant Safari Ahead of Advantage Assam (Photos)

Other SportsKho Kho World Cup 2025: India Women’s Team Secures Commanding 100-16 Win Against Iran (Watch Video)

NationalEAM Dr S Jaishankar To Attend Donald Trump Swearing-In Ceremony on January 20

National Realted Stories

NationalCNG fuel stations surge by 2,300 pc, PNG use up 467 pc in 10 years: Hardeep Puri

NationalNet services suspended in parts of Rajasthan's Jhalawar after wedding murder violence

NationalAIMIM defeats BJP to win Telangana MLC seat

NationalHeavy police deployment for inauguration of Jagannath temple in Bengal's Digha

NationalBig relief for Kunal Kamra as Bombay HC grants protection from arrest