Iran has confirmed its navy has seized a US tanker just 50 miles off the coast of Oman.
The UK maritime security company Ambrey reported the St Nikolas vessel had been boarded by armed men before veering off course in the direction of Bandar-e-Jask, Iran.
The tanker’s owner, Empire Navigation, identified the crew as 18 Philippine nationals and one Greek national.
The ship was loaded with Iraqi oil after leaving the port of Basrah on January 9 headed for Turkey.
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