Stena Impero: Iran to free seven crew of seized British tanker

2019-09-04 14:55:53

The UK says a Royal Navy frigate deployed in the Gulf tried to come to the tanker's aid and warned the Iranians by radio that their actions were illegal, but that it was unable to reach the scene in time. The Stena Impero was brought to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, where it remains at anchor. Its Swedish operator, Stena Bulk, said last month it had been able to maintain limited communication with the crew and that they remained in good health "considering the circumstances". But it expressed concern about their welfare. On Wednesday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told state TV that the ship's captain had selected seven members of its crew to be released. "They have left the vessel and the final procedures are under way to send them back to their countries," he said, adding that the decision had been made in line with Iran's "humanitarian policies".