Tanker seizure raises huge concern for seafarers navigating Gulf

Jul 19th, 2019 (Updated Jul 20th, 2019)

Source: AoS

Global seafarers' charity, Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea), says the impact of the reports of another tanker seizure will pile stress and anxiety on all seafarers navigating the region.

The Swedish company that own the vessel 'Stena Impero' confirmed that she is "no longer under the control of the crew and remains uncontactable."

In a statement they said: "Soon after the vessel was approached by unidentified small naval craft and a helicopter during her transit of the Strait of Hormuz in international waters at approximate 1600 hrs BST today, the vessel suddenly deviated from her passage to Jubail and headed north towards Iran."

Erik Hanell, President and Chief Executive, Stena Bulk, said: "There are 23 seafarers onboard of Indian, Russian, Latvian and Filipino nationality. There have been no reported injuries and the safety and welfare of our crew remains our primary focus. We are in close contact with both the UK and Swedish government authorities to resolve this situation and we are liaising closely with our seafarers' families."

John Green, Director of Development for Stella Maris, said: "one minute the crew on board were going about their professional duties and the next they will be undergoing huge pressure, not knowing what will happen next, one can only think of their wives and children at home and the worry they will be facing."

Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea), is the largest charity in the world providing welfare support to seafarers in over 330 ports around the world as well as supporting seafarers' families.

This 'seizure' echoes the piracy crisis off the Somali coast that went on for a few years. Not only were the crew of ships that were attacked traumatised, but also the crew going into pirated areas had heightened stress, as did their families at home.

The charity continues to monitor the situation.

LINKS

Website: :www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AoS.GB

Twitter: @Apostleshipsea

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