Iran has released the crude oil tanker Talara after detaining it on suspicion of illegally smuggling petrochemicals. All 21 crew members aboard the vessel are reported to be safe, and no formal charges have been filed.
The vessel was headed from the United Arab Emirates to Singapore when the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized the tanker at around 04:22 UTC on 14th November and steered it into Iranian waters. The vessel’s manager reportedly lost communication with the tanker during this time.
Iranian officials stated that the vessel had been diverted under court orders due to an alleged violation. Local Iranian media quoted sources alleging that the vessel was carrying around 30,000 tons of Iranian petrochemical products that were being smuggled to Singapore.
The vessel was released by the Iranian government at 01:12 UTC on 19th November after an inspection. Authorities clarified that no formal charges were being brought against the vessel.
The vessel’s manager, Columbia Shipmanagement, has stated that the Talara is now free to resume normal operations.
