Iran releases tanker Talara it seized in Strait of Hormuz

Shipping company Columbia Shipmanagement has announced that Iranian authorities have released the tanker Talara, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, five days after seizing it in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the Israeli media outlet Newsru.co.il, there were 21 crew members on board.

“They are safe and unharmed. We have informed the families of the sailors about their release. The tanker is able to resume normal operations,” the company said in a statement.

The vessel, carrying 30,000 tonnes of petrochemicals, was en route from the United Arab Emirates to Singapore. After the seizure, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the tanker had been detained under a court order and in the interests of Iran’s security.

On November 14, the tanker Talara, operated by Columbia Shipmanagement and carrying approximately 30,000 tonnes of high-sulfur gasoil and petrochemical products, departed Ajman, the UAE, bound for Singapore. Shortly after passing through the Strait of Hormuz, while sailing about 20–22 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan in the Gulf of Oman, the vessel was intercepted by three Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy fast-attack boats and a helicopter. The crew was ordered to divert into Iranian territorial waters, and contact with the ship’s operator was lost.

The following day, November 15, Iran’s state news agency IRNA confirmed that the IRGC Navy had seized the tanker under a judicial warrant. Iranian authorities stated that the action was taken to protect national interests and resources, alleging that the Talara was transporting an unauthorised or illegal consignment in violation of cargo transportation regulations. The ship was subsequently anchored near Bandar Abbas for inspection.

Between November 16 and 18, the United States Central Command condemned the seizure as a blatant violation of international law and a threat to freedom of navigation, noting that a U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton drone had monitored the incident. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations issued navigational advisories for the area, though no injuries to the 21 crew members were reported.

By Khagan Isayev