Iran Frees Eight Crew From Seized MSC Containership; Four Ukrainians, Four Filipinos Return Home

Iran has released eight seafarers from the Greek-managed containership Epimonidas, officials in the Philippines and Ukraine said, more than two months after the vessel was seized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) near the Strait of Hormuz.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that four Ukrainian crew members have returned home and reunited with family after the ministry and Ukraine’s embassy in Greece secured their release.

The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers confirmed that four Filipino seafarers arrived home late on June 22, were in good health and undergoing medical checks; two other Filipino crew had returned earlier.

One additional seafarer is expected to arrive Thursday, while three remain in Iran awaiting clearance from Iranian military authorities.

The Epimonidas, a 94,769-deadweight-ton containership registered in Liberia and managed by Greece’s Techomar Group, was one of two MSC-operated vessels seized by the IRGC on April 22.

The ship, built in 1998 with a capacity of 6,690 TEU, reported coming under fire about eight nautical miles from Iran; reports say its bridge was heavily damaged before IRGC forces boarded and directed it to sail to Iran. The IRGC also seized the larger MSC Francesca on the same day.

Iran has asserted that both ships attempted to enter the Strait of Hormuz without permission and has repeatedly accused MSC of links to Israeli interests—claims the company has not publicly substantiated.

There is no public confirmation of the total number of crew aboard either vessel or whether any crew from the MSC Francesca have been released.