On 22 July, Monday, Reuter media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran, had intercepted an oil Product tanker laden with 1500 tons of marine oil. The IRGC believes that the product tanker has been involved in fuel smuggling.
Media reports suggest that the oil tanker involved in this case is BETELGEUSE. It was reported that the vessel had loaded the marine oil cargo at KHOR AL ZUBAIR, Iraq, and later, on 21st July, IRGC seized the tanker 60 nautical miles southwest of Port BUSHEHR, Iran.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy confirmed the seizure, stating that the vessel is believed to be involved in fuel smuggling and has been seized by the Iranian Judicial order.
The 1,767 dwt oil product tanker has 12 crewmembers from India and Sri Lanka nationality. Currently, the tanker is under supervision and is at BUSHEHR Anchorage.
BETELGEUSE is a 1987-built vessel sailing under the flag of Togo. The tanker was scheduled to arrive at the SHARJAH Port, United Arab Emirates, on 23 July.
