On the Seizing of MT Stena Impero (Update 2)

28 July 2019 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Philippine Embassy in Tehran, continues to monitor developments related to the seizing of MT Stena Impero on the evening of 19 July 2019 while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Ambassador to Iran Wilfredo C. Santos reported to the Department that Embassy officials were allowed onboard the vessel on 26 July 2019 to talk to the Filipino seafarer who was part of the crew along with 22 others. The Filipino seafarer is well and in good spirits, and said that the crew are treated well and allowed free movement while inside the vessel to go about their normal duties. They were also given the opportunity to communicate with family and allowed Internet access from time to time. The Filipino seafarer requests that his family be taken care of while the vessel is embargoed in Iranian waters and also extends his gratitude to his manning agency and the Embassy for their assistance. Embassy representatives assured him that they are working on ways to have him and his crewmates released. MT Stena Impero is presently at anchor in Hormozgan Province in Iran, which is also home to a major Iranian naval base fronting the Persian Gulf. END