Greece’s shipping ministry has denied Iranian state media reports that a Greek-linked container ship targeted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been seized and is being taken to Iran, clarifying that the vessel remains under the full control of its captain.
Earlier, Iranian television reported that two vessels – the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas – were in Iranian custody following attacks in the region.
The Epaminondas, managed by Maersk and chartered by Greek shipowner George Youroukos’ Technomar group, came under fire while operating near Iranian waters.
The vessel, sailing under a Liberian flag, has a crew of 21 sailors, all nationals of Ukraine and the Philippines.
The Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Ministry, however, said the ship has not been seized and remains stationary off the Iranian coast under the command of its captain.
According to maritime security firm Diaplous, the incident began when a patrol boat from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards approached the vessel without prior radio communication and opened fire.
The attack caused limited material damage to the bridge, but no injuries were reported, with all crew members confirmed safe.
Technomar said the attack occurred 20 nautical miles off the coast of Oman, as the container ship was traversing the Strait of Hormuz. It said no injuries have been reported, while the company is in constant communication with the crew.
The Epaminondas was not the only vessel involved in the latest wave of incidents. Reports indicate that the Euphoria, a Panamanian-flagged ship based in the United Arab Emirates, was also struck and subsequently ran aground off the Iranian coast. Meanwhile, Iranian media claimed that the MSC Francesca, another Panamanian-flagged vessel, had been seized, though this information remains unverified amid the broader regional instability.
According to Greece’s Shipping Ministry, 11 Greek-flagged ships are currently operating within the Persian Gulf, with only two positioned outside it, while a total of 103 vessels of Greek interest are active across the wider region.
This story has been updated.