Colombo seeks answers on detained seafarers
The Government is urgently pursuing official information regarding the reported detention of crew members, including Sri Lankan nationals, aboard a foreign-flagged oil tanker seized by Iranian authorities in the Gulf of Oman, according to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra.“Our embassies in Tehran and Muscat have reached out to the respective authorities seeking official information. We are awaiting further feedback, and appropriate steps will be taken in accordance with established diplomatic procedures once details are confirmed,” Hemachandra said.
Iranian State media and Judiciary officials in the Hormozgan Province reported that the tanker was intercepted on 12 December after allegedly attempting to smuggle 6 million litres of diesel fuel. The vessel is accused of multiple violations, including disabling navigation systems and ignoring orders to stop.
The detained crew reportedly consists of 18 individuals supposedly from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. However, the exact number of Sri Lankan nationals remains unconfirmed. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Thushara Rodrigo clarified that the Government had informed its missions in Iran and Oman and was verifying the identities of the detained crew.
“We have not received contact from any next of kin of Sri Lankan crew members yet, so we are still uncertain as to the details. At this stage, we are investigating whether Sri Lankans are actually on the vessel or if there has been a misidentification,” Rodrigo said.He emphasized that the safety and welfare of the Sri Lankan crew, if verified, remained a top priority. The Government has assured the public that families of the detained crew will receive support, and updates will be provided once official confirmation is received from Iranian authorities.