Unions call for release of Stena Impero crew

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized the UK-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, with 23 seafarers onboard of Indian, Russian, Latvian and Filipino nationality.

“We are shocked but not surprised by the developments in the Gulf,” said Nautilus International general secretary Mark Dickinson. “Our thoughts are with the seafarers being held, and to their families. We offer our support to the international effort to have them released safely, and promise to redouble our efforts, including collaboration with our international colleagues, to ensure that all seafarers are protected from aggression wherever the risk is evident,” added Dickinson.

“The ITF is deeply concerned, the seizure of the Stena Impero marks a dramatic intensification in the turmoil in the region,” said ITF Seafarers’ Section chair David Heindel.

“This is the latest in a series of alarming episodes, and again we call for a de-escalation of the heightening tensions in the region. We call on all nations to promote stability, ensure safe passage, and freedom of navigation in international waters throughout the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Oman.

“Seafarers are concerned about the risk to their safety, it’s essential that the maritime industry and governments work collectively to guarantee safe passage and defuse conflict in such a vital region,” said Heindel.