(Eagle News)–The Department of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Sept. 8, said it was ready to provide assistance to the Filipino crewmen of a tugboat allegedly seized by Iranian authorities in the Persian Gulf.
The DFA said that based on a report from Ambassador to Iran Wilfredo Santos, Coast Guard authorities have said that an investigation is so far ongoing on the alleged oil smuggling of the crew on Sept. 7.
Once this has been established, the matter will be referred to the local court, the DFA quoted the report as saying.
The DFA said the Embassy is seeking further updates on the seafarers’ condition, and is monitoring the developments.
Reports said the tugboat carrying 12 Filipinos was carrying nearly 284,000 liters of diesel.
It was unclear what flag the vessel was carrying.
Iran has some of the world’s cheapest fuel due to heavy state subsidies and as a result has been fighting rampant fuel smuggling.
