The 'MSC Aries', which was seized by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz, was released from detention and is back in Europe. The vessel was detained on April 13, 2024, due to alleged violations of maritime regulations. Following its capture, the vessel was taken to the Port of Bandar Abbas where it remained under guard. In May 2024, Iran allowed the crew. which was comprising mostly Indian nationals, to disembark on humanitarian grounds. However, the vessel itself remained impounded for an extended period, as part of ongoing judicial proceedings in Iran. During the prolonged detention, diplomatic efforts for the vessel’s release were undertaken by multiple stakeholders, including Switzerland, which represents US interests in Iran, as well as indirect backchannel communications involving several Gulf and European states. After its release, the ship finally departed from the port on April 17. It arrived at Antwerp on June 21. Chartered by Mediterranean Shipping Company, it is owned by Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, which is owned by Monaco-based Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer. No formal charges were ever made public.
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GREEK SEAS
On June 16, 2025, at 12.43 a.m. the 'Greek Seas', while underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme of the Singapore Strait, was boarded by six perpetrators, armes with knives and gun like objects, in pos. 1° 3.23' N 103° 37.68' E, about 5.1 nautical miles off Pulau Cula. No injuries were reported, and nothing was reported stolen.
THEMIR
On June 13, 2025, at 11 p.m. the 'Themir', while underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme of the Singapore Strait, was boarded by eight perpetrators, armes with knives, in pos. 1° 4.6' N 103°42.4' E, about 2.2 nautical miles off Pulau Cula. No injuries were reported, and nothing was reported stolen.
MINERAL AXEL
On June 13, 2025, at 11 p.m. the 'KSL Seattle', while underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme of the Singapore Strait, was boarded by eight perpetrators, armes with knives, in pos. 1° 6.5' N 103° 44.1' E. 2.2 nautical miles off Pulau Cula. No injuries were reported, and nothing was reported stolen.
FULMAR S
On June 12, 2025, at 04.00 a.m. the 'Bonneville', while underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme of the Singapore Strait, was boarded by six perpetrators, armes with knives and gun like objects, in pos. 1° 6.3' N 103° 44.8' E, about 4.2 nautical miles off Pulau Cula. No injuries were reported. The intruders stole engine spares.
