Two Greek tankers have been held captive by Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) since last Friday (27 May).
The ships “Prudent Warrior” and “Delta Poseidon”, of Polembros Shipping and Delta Tankers, respectively, are heading to the port of Bandar Abbas off the southern coast of Iran to transport the oil they carry.
The members of the crew of the Greek vessels remain in good health, according to testimonies of relatives. “All crew members of both Greek ships are in full health and being protected while onboard in accordance with international law, and they are provided with necessary services,” stated the Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran.
The landing happened by helicopter when the crew suddenly saw gunmen telling them to stay still and hand over control of the ship.
The Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Giannis Plakiotakis, pointed out that this attack is a clear violation of the rules of international law and is equivalent to piracy.
At the same time, he noted that all the necessary actions are being taken to release both the sailors and the ships.
However, IRGC warned that more Greek tankers could be targeted in retaliation for an Iranian oil shipment on a Russian-flagged tanker that was seized in Greece in April.
More specifically, according to the Iranian media, 17 Greek tankers could be confiscated if the Iranian ship Lana and its crude oil will not return.
