Gerapetritis on “Epaminondas” in Hormuz: Extensive damages, not seized
Διαβάζεται σε 4'
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis spoke to American CNN regarding the situation of the “Epaminondas” ship, which was attacked by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
- 22 Απριλίου 2026 20:05
The Greek-owned ship “EPAMINONDAS,” flying the flag of Liberia, has sustained extensive damages. However, it has not been seized as of yet, clarified the Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis regarding the tanker, which was targeted off the coast of Oman on the morning of Wednesday, April 22nd.
Speaking to CNN, the Foreign Minister stated, “I can confirm that there was an attack on the Greek cargo ship, but I cannot confirm that it has been seized by the Iranians.” “Therefore, there is significant damage, but it has not been seized for now,” he added.
The ship flies the flag of Liberia, and its crew consists of 21 sailors (Ukrainian and Filipino nationals).
Greek authorities confirm that the ship remains under the control of its captain. As of Wednesday afternoon, the ship was still stationary off the Iranian coast.
According to the security company Diaplous, the incident started when a boat from the Revolutionary Guards approached the “Epaminondas” without any prior radio communication. Shortly after, the Iranians opened fire on the ship.
Company Statement
Technomar Shipping Inc. issued a statement referring to an attack on the Greek-owned ship “Epaminondas,” denying the Revolutionary Guards’ claims that the ship had been seized.
The statement emphasized, “All crew members are safe and accounted for, and there have been no reports of injuries.”
The detailed statement is as follows:
“Technomar Shipping Inc. (‘Technomar’) is responding to a security incident involving the ship under its management, Epaminondas (IMO: 9153862).
The incident occurred at approximately 06:50 local time on April 22, 2026, while the vessel was crossing the Strait of Hormuz, about 20 nautical miles off the coast of Oman, when it was approached and fired upon by a manned gunboat.
All crew members are safe and accounted for, and no injuries or pollution have been reported as a result of the attack. Preliminary inspections show damages to the bridge of the vessel.
Technomar remains in close contact with the crew and relevant authorities. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our crew as we work with all relevant parties to ensure their continued safety and investigate the incident.
The Epaminondas (IMO: 9153862) is a container ship of 94,769 dwt, built in 1998, flying the flag of Liberia. Further information will be provided as substantial developments occur.”
Denial from the Ministry of Shipping
The Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy earlier clarified that, contrary to Iranian announcements, the containership Epaminondas has not been detained.
According to competent sources, “The ship has not been detained,” with Athens attributing the relevant statements from Tehran to inaccurate information.
It is noted that earlier, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Navy captured two ships, claiming violations of navigation and moved them into Iranian waters, reported semi-official news agency Tasnim on Wednesday.
In their statement, the Guards mentioned that the vessels, identified as MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, were seized and “moved to Iranian shores” because they were “operating without the required permit and for falsifying navigation systems,” adding that this endangered navigation safety.
The two ships are part of a broader list of at least eight MSC containerships that have been trapped in the Persian Gulf since the start of hostilities, highlighting the ongoing disruption of maritime logistics and the increasing influence of geopolitical developments on global shipping operations.
It is also noted that at least three container ships were fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz today, Wednesday, April 22nd, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and maritime security sources.
According to the Greek Ministry of Shipping and based on the latest available data, there are 11 Greek-flagged vessels within the Persian Gulf, and two outside it. The total number of Greek-owned vessels in the wider region of the Persian Gulf – Strait of Hormuz – Gulf of Oman is 103.
