Iran releases Marshall Islands-flagged tanker ‘Talara’ and crew

TEHRAN : Iran on Wednesday released a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker ‘Talara‘ with all its 21 crew members aboard days after Tehran seized the ship without explanation, the vessel’s managers said.

Tehran had no immediate comment on the release of the Talara, which marked the first ship seizure by Iran in months. Cyprus-based Columbia Shipmanagement said the crew “are safe and in good spirits.”

“We have informed their families, and the vessel is now free to resume normal operations,” the firm said. It added that “no allegations were made against the vessel, her crew and the vessel’s managers and owners.”

Ship-tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press showed the Talara traveling away from Iran.

On Friday, Iran’s military seized the vessel as it traveled through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all oil traded passes. The ship had been traveling from Ajman, United Arab Emirates, onward to Singapore.