Overview
- An embassy statement says requests for access were first filed on December 14 and reiterated in meetings in Bandar Abbas and Tehran, including at ambassadorial level.
- Families and court filings report that 10 sailors have been taken to Bandar Abbas prison, with the remaining crew confined aboard the detained tanker.
- The mission intervened to secure emergency food and water in early January and has pushed the UAE-based owner and Iran-based agents to provide supplies and legal representation.
- Iran alleges the tanker was smuggling about 6,000 tonnes of diesel seized on December 8 near Dibba, while the operator and families say the cargo was very low sulphur fuel oil and the boarding occurred in international waters.
- The Delhi High Court has sought the Centre’s response on a family petition and set a January 21 hearing, as the MEA confirms it is seeking access and an expedited resolution.