Greek Authorities To Release Seized Russian Tanker

A Russian crude oil tanker seized last week by Greek authorities will be released, a government spokesperson confirmed on Thursday.

Greece impounded the tanker with 19 Russian crew members on board on April 15th as part of the EU sanctions.

The spokesperson for the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy said that the anti-money laundering authority has ordered the release of the vessel. The spokesperson added that the release has not begun yet and could not provide further information at this point.

According to the Athens News Agency, the tanker was headed to the Peloponnese peninsula due to an engine problem. There, it planned to offload its cargo on to another vessel.

However adverse weather conditions led it to anchor near the southern coast of the Greek island of Evia, where the tanker was seized.