Iran 'seizes British-flagged oil tanker'

[TonyMWeaver]

Iran 'seizes British-flagged oil tanker' in Strait of Hormuz

The Foreign Office is "urgently seeking" further information after Iran claimed to have seized a British-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.

Sky sources have confirmed defence secretary Penny Mordaunt has been briefed on the incident in the Gulf. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard told state TV they had seized the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz.

A statement from the ship's owner and management firm said: "Stena Bulk and Northern Marine Management can confirm that at approximately 1600 BST on 19th July UK registered vessel Stena Impero was approached by unidentified small crafts and a helicopter during transit of the Strait of Hormuz while the vessel was in international waters. "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.

Sky's foreign affairs Editor Deborah Haynes described the situation as British officials' worst nightmare. "This is being discussed at the highest level of government," she added.

 

 

https://news.sky.com/story/fears-over-british-tanker-after-reports-it-entered-iranian-waters-11766673?fbclid=IwAR01azr08jDG600RNUvmK8PdO8KyoFCpKbx4e8XG7dHqy6yrz1rADnyvteU

Edited July 19, 2019 by TonyMWeaver

[cvabishop]

That's put the cat among the pigeons! We don't have the naval strength in area to release the ship and If we ask the Americans for help it opens up a complete can of worms.

[jamie]

Wouldn’t be surprised if the sas and sbs are already either on their way or being briefed or training 

 

this will get nasty

[Khaines]

Wonder if Cameron now regrets sending our best to Turkey... 😡

[TonyMWeaver]

'Stena Impero' is British Registered with Russian, Indian & Filipino crew.

 

It's also now rumoured that a 2nd ship has been seized.

 

 

Edited July 19, 2019 by TonyMWeaver