IRGC Releases Video of Seized Civilian Ship
On Thursday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization, shared a video claiming to show their forces capturing a civilian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
Reports indicate that on Wednesday morning, the Revolutionary Guards targeted three container ships in the strait, utilizing small boats. According to Iranian state media, two of these ships were boarded and taken hostage. The crews described being attacked suddenly, mentioning that at least one ship had previously been given safe passage by Iran.
The video, seemingly edited for added drama, depicts a speedboat filled with covert operatives approaching the MSC Francesca, a Panama-flagged container ship. Iranian personnel boarded the vessel using a ladder.
The Francesca reportedly suffered damage from “gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades” before being compelled to anchor. Iranian media suggested the attack was prompted by the ship’s alleged connections to the “Zionist regime” in Israel.
Following that, the video showcased a parallel operation targeting a Greek-owned cargo ship, the Epanimondas. Iranian state media labeled this incident as an “unauthorized and covert attempt to exit the Strait of Hormuz,” asserting it undermined maritime security.
The video concluded with images of masked Iranian gunmen moving about an unspecified vessel, armed.
On Thursday, the Philippine government announced that 15 nationals had served as crew members on the two vessels taken. A statement confirmed that the Filipino crew member was “safe and unharmed” while in Iranian custody, and his family had been notified and is receiving support.
Montenegro also stated on Thursday that some of their nationals were aboard the Francesca. The Maritime Minister, Filip Radulovic, noted that the ship is currently anchored about nine nautical miles off the Iranian coast, and discussions between MSC and Iran are proceeding. He assured that the sailors are safe.
The management company for the Epanimondas, Technomar, confirmed that the crew comprises 21 Filipinos and Ukrainians. The company emphasized that they remain in close touch with relevant authorities in the region, with the safety and well-being of their crew as their primary concern.
Hamid Reza Haji Babaei, the Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, announced Thursday that Iran had begun collecting tolls for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. He mentioned that the first earnings from these tolls have been deposited into the central bank account.
Another lawmaker, Alireza Salimi, stated that toll charges are determined by the value of each ship’s cargo and added that fees are currently being integrated into a unified account and the national treasury.
