DUBAI: An oil tanker seized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards last week was released on Wednesday, according to the vessel’s management company.
Columbia Shipmanagement confirmed its managed product tanker TALARA was released at approximately 4:42 am local time with all 21 crew members safe.
The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel is now free to resume normal operations.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards had seized the tanker on Friday as it sailed from a port in the United Arab Emirates.
They claimed at the time it was carrying “unauthorised cargo” towards Singapore.
However, Columbia Shipmanagement stated that “no allegations were made against the vessel, her crew and the vessel’s managers and owners”.
The vessel was heading south through the Strait of Hormuz when it was approached by three small boats and suddenly changed course, according to maritime security firm Ambrey.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a key chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Similar incidents have occurred in the past, including last year when Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized a container ship they claimed had links to Israel.
