The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has confirmed that 18 Filipino crew members aboard the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker, St. Nikolas, are safe and currently in Iran. The tanker was seized by Iranian authorities in the Gulf of Oman.
A report from “24 Oras Weekend” indicated that the Filipino seamen were in the custody of Iranian officials. The DMW, in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), is actively engaged in discussions with Iranian authorities to negotiate the release of the Filipino crew.
Family members of the crew are being kept informed of the situation through continuous communication by the departments. Additionally, Empire Navigation, the company managing the St. Nikolas, is also liaising with the relevant authorities and the families of the crew.
Empire Navigation has taken steps to support the families of the detained seafarers by setting up a mental health and psychological support service. This service is provided by qualified professionals and will be available to the families until the crew is safely released. The company plans to extend this support to the seafarers upon their return, for as long as medical professionals recommend.
The St. Nikolas was en route to Turkey, transporting oil from Iraq when it was seized. It is noteworthy that this vessel had previously been seized by the US as it was transporting oil to Iran, amidst the sanctions imposed on the latter.
