Gibraltar’s authorities have released from custody the captain and three crewmembers of the Iranian Grace 1 tanker, which was detained by Gibraltar on July 4, the Gibraltar Chronicle newspaper reported, citing Gibraltar’s government.
The Panama-registered Grace 1 supertanker was detained by Gibraltar on July 4 on suspicion that it was transporting crude oil to Syria in violation of sanctions. The UK Royal Marines took part in the operation.
According to Gibraltar authorities, the 28 crewmembers, citizens of India, Pakistan and Ukraine, were aboard the tanker. Acting Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borell said that the vessel was seized at the US request. Gibraltar’s police arrested the captain of the tanker, the chief mate and two crewmembers.
