18 Filipino seafarers of seized oil tanker back in PH

St Nikolas ship X1 oil tanker involved in U.S.-Iran dispute in the Gulf of Oman which state media says was seized is seen in the Tokyo bay, Japan, October 4, 2020, in this handout picture. REUTERS FILE PHOTO

All 18 Filipino crew members of the crude oil tanker St. Nikolas that was seized by Iran in the Gulf of Oman on Jan. 11 have returned to the Philippines. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday the Filipinos were allowed to leave the vessel after being replaced by seafarers from other countries.

Of the 18 Filipinos, 17 were repatriated in batches this month, with the last group composed of six seafarers arriving in Manila on March 20. The first one returned home in February after turning down the double salary offer to remain aboard the seized oil tanker beyond the end of their contracts.

“The Philippine government thanks the authorities of Iran for their understanding in this matter and appreciates the work of the manning agency which made this possible,” the DFA said.

The tanker was seized by Iran on Jan. 11 after it transported Iranian oil cargo to the United States in September 2023. A US court had ordered the seizure of the cargo and directed the tanker to sail from Singapore to Houston, Texas, to deliver the oil. —DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN