Eight Detained Seafarers Repatriated After Iran Release

Eight seafarers who had been held by Iranian authorities for several months have been repatriated, with officials in Ukraine and the Philippines confirming that they have safely returned home.

The crew members were released from the Liberia-flagged containership Epimonidas, which had been detained by Iran in April. During the incident, the crew reported that the vessel came under fire before Iranian authorities released footage showing personnel from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) boarding the ship.

The *Epimonidas *was one of two containerships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz on April 22. The second vessel, the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca, was also fired upon, boarded by the IRGC, and detained.

Iranian authorities alleged that both vessels were sailing without the required authorization, had committed repeated violations, attempted to pass through the strait without the necessary permits, and interfered with their navigation systems.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that four Ukrainian seafarers have now been repatriated and reunited with their families. The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers also announced that four Filipino crew members arrived back in the country on June 22.

At the time of its detention, the *Epimonidas *had a crew of 21, including Ukrainian and Filipino nationals. It remains unclear when or if the remaining crew members will be released.

Authorities have also not confirmed how many seafarers remain aboard the MSC Francesca or whether any of its crew will also be repatriated.