Iran captures two ships in Strait of Hormuz

By Ochiaka Ugwu

The Iranian authorities have seized two ships for operating without required permits and tampering with their navigation system in Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian Navy who made this known Wednesday, stated that it seized two cargo ships attempting to exit the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz for violating maritime regulations.

It was reported that one of the ships seized was a Panama-flagged vessel named MSC Francesca, and with a Greek-flagged vessel named Epaminondas.

It is important to know that it is the first seizure since the war with the US and Israel began in February.

Before now, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy warned that any disruption to order and safety in the strait would be treated as a “red line,” according to news report.

It was gathered that the army first opened fire on Epaminodes after it ignored warnings to retreat.

The Greek-operated Epaminondas came under fire about 20 nautical miles northwest of Oman. The vessel bridge was damaged by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades.

The second ship, MSC Francesca, was also attacked 8 nautical miles west of Iran while attempting to cross the Strait.

A third vessel, known as Euphoria, was later stopped after coming under fire.

Montenegro’s Minister of Maritime Affairs confirmed the seizure of the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and disclosed that four Montenegrin seafarers were on board and that all crew members were safe.

In a post on X, he wrote, “Negotiations between the shipping company and the Iranian side are ongoing, and the relevant state authorities are in constant contact with the crew.”

Greek operator Technomar Shipping Inc also confirmed the attack on Epaminondas.

It said that its crew were safe, and that the vessel had since been boarded by Iranian forces, while noting that a crew of 21 members, made up of Ukrainians and Filipinos, was onboard the ship.

“Technomar remains in close communication with the relevant authorities in the region. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our crew as we work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure their continued safety and urgently resolve the matter,” the operator said.

The Strait of Hormuz has been at the heart of this conflict and heightened tension between the two parties.

Recall that, the US also imposed its blockade on the Strait due to Iran’s unwillingness to reach an agreement.

The US Navy also seized an Iranian vessel trying to bypass its blockade, and in response, Tehran promised retaliation for what it called a violation of the ceasefire

It also said it will not be negotiating “under the shadow of threat” or under a US naval blockade.

Iran called the US attack on its ship an act of “piracy” and, on Wednesday, said the two tankers it had seized had violated maritime regulations, according to Iranian state media.