18 Indians on British tanker seized

At least 23 people were onboard the UK flagged oil tanker whichwas seized by Iran on Saturday, claimed cargo vessel owner Stena Bulk.

According to a report in AFP, 18 sailors are from India, including the Captain, and the rest were from the Philippines, Latvia, and Russia.

Iran seized a British oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday by denying Washington's assertions that the US Navy had downed an Iranian drone nearby this week, as tensions in the Gulf region surface again.

The company also said that the vessel was no longer under the control of the crew and remains unapproachable.

Reports suggest that there have no injuries and the safety and welfare of the crew members have been taken care of.

"We are ascertaining their details. Our mission is in touch with the Government of Iran to secure the early release and repatriation of Indian nationals," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was quoted as saying by ANI.