Two MSC-linked vessels seized, crew temporarily safe
Multiple sources have confirmed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran took action near the Strait of Hormuz on April 22 (local time), seizing two container ships and towing them to waters near the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.
One of the vessels is the "MSC Francesca," operated by MSC.
The other is the "EPAMINONDAS," a vessel flying the Liberian flag and owned by the Greek company Technomar Shipping, which is also on time charter to MSC.
The approximately 40 crew members on board are nationals of Ukraine, the Philippines, Croatia, Montenegro, and other countries. It has been confirmed by various parties that the crew are generally in good condition, with no reports of casualties so far. A family member of one crew member revealed to the media that around 20 fully armed personnel boarded the ship and took control; while the crew's movements are restricted, they have not been mistreated.
Filip Radulovic, Montenegro's Minister of Maritime Affairs, stated that the vessels in question are currently anchored about 9 nautical miles off the Iranian coast. MSC is currently in communication with Iran to facilitate the safe release of the crew.
However, it is worth noting that the AIS (Automatic Identification System) signals of both vessels have been turned off, making it even more difficult for the outside world to determine their exact location and status.
Video exposed: Footage of armed boarding causes shock
Iran subsequently released an on-site video showing high-speed boats approaching a red-and-black container ship, with multiple masked armed personnel boarding and taking control of the vessel. The video is believed to involve the "EPAMINONDAS" and the "MSC Francesca."
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