If you have insured cargo on board the following vessels and would like us to assist you in pursuing any claims arising from these incidents (or any similar cases), or if you require assistance in providing GA or salvage guarantees, please contact us as soon as possible.
Date: 19th July 2019 Type: Seizure Voyage: India/Saudi Arabia and Singapore/Saudi;
Reports have been received that British flag vessel STENA IMPERO (29,579gt built 2018) was approached yesterday by a helicopter and several small craft whilst transiting the Straits of Hormuz.
Shortly afterwards the vessel deviated from her voyage towards Jubail, began to head for Iranian waters, and contact was lost with the crew. The vessel is now being held by the Iranian authorities.
Iranian sources have alleged that the reason for detention is breaches of shipping regulations by the vessel and unreported contact with a fishing vessel, although it is generally accepted that the incident is politically motivated.
In an apparently connected incident, Liberian flagged but British operated vessel MESDAR (160,295gt built 2007) also made a sudden diversion from its course towards the Saudi port of Ras Tanura yesterday, and began to steam towards the Iranian coast before apparently turning off its tracking signal.
Less than two hours later, MESDAR’S signal was turned back on. Iranian news reported that MESDAR was briefly detained and given a notice to comply with environmental regulations before being allowed to continue its way.
