Sunday 18 August 2019
Released Oil Tanker Raises Iranian Flag and Changes Name
GIBRALTAR (Ruptly) — Oil tanker Grace 1 raised the Iranian flag and changed its name to Adrian Darya-1, as filmed while still anchored in the Strait of Gibraltar on Sunday.
The vessel which was previously Panama-flagged had been seized by UK marines on July 4 on suspicions of violating EU sanctions by delivering oil to Syria. On Thursday, the tanker was released after a Gibraltar court lifted the detention order. The US made a last moment legal attempt to hold the ship but its request was reportedly rejected.
The tanker is expected to head to the Mediterranean. Six crew members including a new captain will reportedly embark the vessel before its departure.