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Iran to release 7 crew members of detained British tanker

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Tanker Age Discrimination Detrimental for Environmental Goals, Stena Bulk Argues

Iran will free seven crew members of the detained British-flagged tanker Stena Impero, Iranian state television reported on Wednesday, although the vessel’s owner said it had yet to receive any official confirmation of the release date.

The Swedish-owned Stena Impero was detained by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on July 19 in the Strait of Hormuz waterway for alleged marine violations.

This happened two weeks after Britain detained an Iranian tanker off the territory of Gibraltar. That vessel was released in August.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman, Abbas Mousavi, told the TV that the seven, who include Indian citizens, were allowed to leave the tanker on humanitarian grounds and could leave Iran soon.

Also read:  Stena Bulk Meets Iran’s Foreign Minister over Stena Impero Release

“We have no problem with the crew and the captain and the issue is violations that the vessel committed,” Mousavi said.

The Stena Impero’s 23 seafarers are of Indian, Russian, Latvian and Filipino nationality, the vessel’s Swedish owner Stena Bulk has said.

“We are very pleased that for seven crew members their ordeal may soon be over.

“And they may return to their families, however we cautiously await official confirmation of their release date,” Erik Hanell, Stena Bulk’s president and chief executive, said in a statement.

“We view this communication as a positive step on the way to the release of all the remaining crew, which has always been our primary concern and focus.”

The company said the remaining 16 crew members would remain onboard to safely operate the vessel.

 

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IMO Elections: MWUN Rallies Behind Nigeria: Comrade Bunu Lauds NIMASA’s Dedication 

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IMO Elections: MWUN Rallies Behind Nigeria: Comrade Bunu lauds NIMASA's Dedication 

…Says a vote for Nigeria is a vote for Africa

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has pledged its full support for Nigeria’s bid to return to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, while commending the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its transformative role in maritime security and governance.

Speaking in Lagos over the weekend, MWUN President General, Comrade Francis Bunu, lauded NIMASA’s significant achievements, particularly in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. 

He noted that the Agency’s efforts have significantly improved safety and stability on Nigerian waters.

“We now have peace on our waters, which is commendable. It also enhances regional stability and boosts investor confidence,” Bunu stated, citing NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety as a key driver of Nigeria’s growing prominence in global maritime affairs.

Comrade Bunu

Comrade Bunu further pledged that MWUN would mobilise support through its international affiliates to advocate for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid, emphasising that the country has both the expertise and leadership to make meaningful contributions on the global maritime stage.

Nigeria is long overdue for a return to the IMO Council. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for Africa,” he asserted.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, describing it as a “bold and visionary step” that will unlock investment opportunities and create employment across the maritime sector.

“The creation of the Ministry is a strategic move that aligns with global trends. It opens new economic frontiers and supports our youth through job creation and skills development within the blue economy space,” Bunu stated.

Reaffirming the Union’s commitment to collaboration, the MWUN leader assured stakeholders of continued engagement aimed at fostering industrial harmony, particularly within the dock labour sub-sector.

“Under my leadership, MWUN will continue to work with all maritime stakeholders to ensure peace, progress, and sustained sectoral growth,” he pledged.

As the world looks ahead to the 2025 Day of the Seafarer, themed “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” Bunu emphasised the importance of sustainable ocean governance and the critical role of seafarers in global trade.

“MWUN remains steadfast in its advocacy for seafarers’ rights, decent work conditions, and responsible stewardship of our ocean resources. Nigerian seafarers deserve our gratitude for their immense contributions to global commerce,” he said.

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NIMASA: May 30 PIRACY INCIDENT, Not in Nigerian Waters

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NIMASA: May 30 PIRACY INCIDENT, Not in Nigerian Waters

… Even though it was within the Gulf of Guinea 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has stressed that the piracy incident that occurred in the Gulf of Guinea on Friday, 30th May 2025, occurred outside Nigerian waters.

The Agency made the clarification in a statement issued by its Image maker and Head of of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, highlighting the incident’s coordinates as 2°37’35” N, 6°46’47” E, which was approximately, 75 nautical miles northwest of Santo Antonio Port, São Tomé and Príncipe; and approximately 420 nautical miles away from southeast, Nigeria.

“On May 30, 2025, at approximately 1614 UTC, the C4i Operational Centre of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) received a distress alert via the Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG), reporting a suspected pirate attack on a commercial vessel.

“Preliminary investigations have confirmed the affected vessel to be the MV ORAGE FROST, a general cargo ship bearing IMO Number 9797656, and flying the flag of Curaçao. 

“The incident occurred at coordinates 2°37’35” N, 6°46’47” E, approximately 75 nautical miles northwest of Santo Antonio Port, São Tomé and Príncipe, approximately 420 nautical miles away from southeast Nigeria”, NIMASA stated.

The agency maintained that, at the time of the incident, MV ORAGE FROST had recently completed loading operations in Douala, Cameroon, and was en route to Matadi, Congo, having regularly operated between ports in Cameroon, Togo, Ghana, and Benin.

“NIMASA is actively coordinating with the Nigerian Navy and other regional maritime security agencies to ensure the safety of the vessel’s crew and to support ongoing investigations into the incident”, the agency stated further, adding:

“We remain committed to regional maritime security cooperation to enhance safety and deter criminal activity in Nigerian waters and indeed the Gulf of Guinea, leveraging on the Deep Blue Project”.

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Mokwa Flood: NRC Boss Commiserates with Victims

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Mokwa flood: NRC boss commiserate with victims

The Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, has commiserated with bereaved families of persons who died in the Mokwa flood disaster.

Opeifa stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the Mai Gari of Mokwa, (Ndalile Mokwa), Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu-Shaba, after assessing the devastation to the rail tracks by the flood.

He expressed condolences to the Mokwa people, Bida emirate and the entire state at large over the devastating flood resulting in loss of many lives and extensive destruction to properties.

“I wish to, on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Transportation, the entire staff of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, extend our deepest condolences to you, the people of Mokwa, and families affected by the recent flood disaster.

“It is indeed heartbreaking to all and sundry that the tragic incident has brought serious sorrow and pain to the Mokwa community”, the managing director stated.

Opeifa also expressed his deepest appreciation to Ndalile and members of his community for ensuring robust security around the NRC tracks.

He said that the Federal Government was seriously concerned about the extent of devastation to the community.

Condolence visit to the Mokwa Community by the NRC Managing Director

The NRC managing director said that an assessment had already been carried out, especially on the damaged rail tracks.

Opeifa also pledged that the government would leave no stone unturned to expeditiously repair the damaged rail tracks.

He further prayed to God to grant the souls of the departed rest and strengthen those who lost loved ones or property in the incident

In his response, the Ndalile of Mokwa, Aliyu-Shaba, regretted the flood disaster in his community, describing it as “an act already ordained by Allah”.

He described Mokwa as “Mini Nigeria”, adding that all tribes of the country were found in the community cohabiting and living in peace and harmony.

He appealed to the Federal Government and all well-meaning Nigerians to come to the assistance of the town and support the relief efforts.

According to him, the community has never experienced such a catastrophe in its history of existence.

Aliyu-Shaba, however, said that the community has strong resolve and would continue to collaborate with the government towards rebuilding infrastructure and developing the town.

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