UK oil tanker seizure

[KitKat1985]

Surprised that there doesn't seem to be any threads in chat about this yet (if there is and I've started a second in error I apologise).

Anyone else watching the developments with this anxiously, given the current tensions that exist between the UK, USA and Iran. I am hoping this can be resolved quickly, safely and diplomatically; and without need for military escalation from either side.

I think it’s worrying. Looks like Iran are spoiling for a fight

I agree reallyneedmoresleep. I've got a horrible feeling that Iran aren't going to let this be resolved smoothly.

I'm watching anxiously. It's not good at all and Iran are indeed spoiling for a fight.

I'm just waiting for the comments about how if we'd left the EU by now then we wouldn't be involved as we responded to the tanker off Gibraltar breaking EU rules.

To further add to the tension, the USA has sent troops in to Saudi Arabia for the first time in many years, seemingly as a direct response to concerns about Iran.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-49054323

I’m following intently.
We are a military family, and honestly I’m scared.

My brother served in the Gulf in 1992/93 I think it was. This worries me a great deal.

Place marking.
Let's just say I am mightily relieved our family no longer live in the region. I think it has the potential to get very tense and unpleasant.

Cobra was called, I think it's v concerning as well.

Yes, I'm not feeling good about this situation.

It's a UK Flag (registered home port) vessel owned by Stena, a Swedish company.

Suspect the non-UK captain did not hear the FCO warnings.

@dreamyspires you might find this thread interesting, rather than the responses you hot on your thread.

There is a really good video on this BBC link about the Strait of Hormuz, and it's significance in current tensions.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49054586

I ordered the next 18 month's worth of oil as a precaution.Yes very worrying.

Oh dear the capture of the ship looks terrifying. I do hope the people on board are safe.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49059066

Its very worrying. I know someone very senior, involved in this( indirectly). He is not happy. With over 30 years military and diplomatic experience, if he's worried, I'm worried.

I’m sorry to sound dim but genuine question- how does an oil tanker get seized? Do the army just land a helicopter on board and demand it changes course? Do they use force/ violence? Why do the crew comply with them? Is it agreed that a ship will change course as requested?

Sorry for the daft questions. It just sounds like pirating, which you can sort of understand as it uses force to take assets of value from the ship.

Ah I was just coming on to find a thread on this. The BBC article on the issue is one of the best I've read in a long time and explains everything well.

As far as I can tell Stena can't get into contact with the vessel at the moment so nobody knows what's happened.

I would be interested to know if the tanker seized near Gibraltar was in fact bound for Syria though or if it's us assisting the US in setting up something that they are clearly gunning for.

It looks like Passthecherrycoke that the tanker was surrounded by military vessels and a helicopter offloaded armed military personnel on board. I guess the crew had no choice but to so as they were ordered.

www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/20/britain-lured-into-deadly-trap-on-iran-by-trump-hawk-john-bolton

Interesting pov

Thanks kitkat. How awful. They’re basically like POWs

That's a really interesting (and worrying) article by the Guardian Passthecherrycoke.

I hadn't seen that Guardian article, looks like my suspicions may have been right!

That article is very worrying indeed.

@SootySueandSweeptoo it was in violation of EU regulations/international law. I'll link the news article in a sec. not fully functioning yet as waiting for my caffeine hit.