Stena Bulk CEO says UK-flagged tanker now on move from Iranian port

STOCKHOLM — The British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero seized by Iran in July has started to move out of the port of Bandar Abbas where it has been held, the Swedish owner of the tanker said on Friday.

"The ship is on the move," Stena Bulk CEO Erik Hanell said in a text message. "We will comment further when the ship reaches international waters."

Iran seized the British tanker on July 19 near the Strait of Hormuz for alleged marine violations. Earlier this week Iranian officials said all legal hurdles had been cleared for the ship to be released.

Earlier this month, Iran released seven of the 23 others: a Russian, a Latvian, and five Indians.

One of the other crew members, presumably still in Iran's custody, is a Filipino. — Reuters