Empire Navigation, the shipping firm operating the tanker boarded by armed men near the Gulf of Oman, says it lost contact with its crew and put a “emergency plan” in place.
The shipping company with its headquarters in Greece reported that when the St. Nikolas ship was attacked by armed individuals, 19 of its crew members—18 from the Philippines and 1 from Greece—were on board. Oil was being transported by the ship from Basra, Iraq to Aliaga, Turkey, a representative for the operator of the tanker said Reuters.
According to British maritime security company Ambrey, the tanker seemed to steer towards Bandar-e-Jask, Iran, after up to five armed men were aboard. This was before its tracker was turned off.
