‘Aframax crude oil tanker ARISTOFANIS, might have been seized ‘

There are indications that Aframax crude oil tanker ARISTOFANIS, might have been seized, according to FleetMon.

It stated: “Aframax crude oil tanker ARISTOFANIS, ballasting from Italy to reportedly, Egypt (Suez Canal most probably), got caught in migrants rescue operation in the evening September 23, some 95 nm west of western Crete.

“Tanker happened to be near the distressed boat with some 150 migrants on board, and though details weren’t revealed, understood was ordered to assist, so ARISTOFANIS took on board all migrants and after several hours of waiting (or a standoff between Greek authorities and migrants, it’s not clear), sailed to Paleochora anchorage, southern Crete, where she anchored in the morning Sep 24.

“Migrants are supposed to be disembarked at Paleochora, but according to local media neakriti.gr, the operation may not come smooth and easy – migrants want to be transported to Italy. Understood there was a standoff shortly after the rescue, when migrants found out, that the ship was bound for Egypt. They either refused to disembark or worse, details remain unclear.”

It added: “As of 1600 UTC Sep 24, it remained unknown, whether they agreed to disembark, or insist on being transported to Italy.”