The Greek probationary master of the Greek-owned tanker “St Nikolas” with the flag of the Marshall Islands, which was seized by Iranian military forces, is being repatriated.

Following relevant instructions from the Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis, in collaboration with the Ministry of Shipping and Insular Policy, with the actions of the Ambassador of Greece in Tehran Stylianou Gavriel, which were accepted by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, his repatriation became possible.

The Greek probationary officer is currently heading to Greece.

“The company remains committed to the safe release of all crew members. The remaining 18 sailors, who are still on board the tanker, which is anchored in Bandar Abbas, Iran, are all in good health and have been able to communicate with their families,” Empire Navigation Inc. said in a statement.

It is also added that the company is also in touch with the Philippine Ambassador to Iran, who is set to visit the ship after completing the required procedures imposed by the local authorities.

He points out that since the very first day of the incident, the Philippine government has been making continuous negotiation efforts for the safe return of the rest of the sailors who are in good health.

It is noted that the ship was seized by a group of armed men while it was sailing loaded with about 145,000 metric tons of crude oil, having started from Basra in Iraq bound for Aliaga in Turkey through the Suez Canal.

As Iranian media have reported, the ship’s cargo was seized following a court order by the Iranian navy.