Iran Seizes British Oil Tanker for “Violating International Regulations”

(MEMO) —

UPDATE: The US is now claiming that Iran has seized a second oil tanker.

Here’s what we know:

Liberian-flagged VLCC #Mesdar loaded in March with 1.9mn bbls of Saudi crude.

It discharged in China in April and sat empty off Singapore. In early July, it left for the Arab Gulf.

At about 16:30 UTC, it made an turn north and is now in Iranian waters. pic.twitter.com/yrugM94riY

— ClipperData (@ClipperData) July 19, 2019

***

A British-flagged tanker has been seized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, international media reported today.

?UPDATE#IRGC: #British oil tanker was seized because of violating international regulations.#StenaImpero #Iran #PersianGulf #StraitOfHormuz pic.twitter.com/714r6fAjRt

— Press TV (@PressTV) July 19, 2019

The captured boat Stena Imperio was bound for Saudi Arabia, and the owners have confirmed they are unable to contact the vessel.

The tanker was allegedly approached by a helicopter, and “unidentified small crafts,” in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the tanker’s company.

A UK shipping official said: “We are aware that the vessel halted its course and is now heading toward the Iranian coast and we are investigating.”

A spokesperson for Stena Imperio said: “We are presently unable to contact the vessel which is now heading north towards Iran.

“There are 23 seafarers aboard. There have been no reported injuries and their safety is of primary concern to both owners and managers.”

The British Ministry of Defence have said they are “urgently seeking further information.”

It’s been reported that the government’s emergency committee was taking place to investigate the incident.

This comes after a UK court extended the detention of an Iranian oil tanker in Gibraltar, which was accused of breaching European sanctions on Syria.

Here’s what we know:

LR1 Stena Impero, a UK-flagged tanker, left Houston laden with ethanol in May.
It discharged in India in early June and arrived Tuesday in Fajairah.
It left today signaling for Jubail, Saudi Arabia
At about 15:17 UTC, the vessel took an abrupt turn north pic.twitter.com/MU6Luj5PD6

— ClipperData (@ClipperData) July 19, 2019

Incidents in Gulf waters| Hormuz last 6 days:

• Sun.: #Iran diverts Riah vessel, says for repairs then smuggling
• Thu. : US shoots down Iran drone
• Fri.: Iran captures British flagged tanker

Nothing about this is normal. Volatility not seen in area since 1980s

— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) July 19, 2019

By Middle East Monitor | MiddleEastMonitor.com

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