Russian tanker “Pegas” released from captivity

In accordance with an order issued by the Hellenic Anti-Money Laundering Authority, the Russian tanker Pegas, which was arrested by the Greek authorities last Friday and was moored in the port of Karystos, released due to lack of claims.

“The Hellenic Coast Guard has received an order from the Anti-Money Laundering Authority to release the vessel,” a government source told Reuters.

As we reported previously, due to a mechanical problem, the tanker was escorted by a tugboat bound for the Peloponnese, where the oil was to be transferred to another tanker. However, due to unfavorable weather conditions on the traverse of Cape Doro, the tanker found a safe anchorage on the traverse of Karystos Bay (Evia).

According to a statement from the Greek authorities, the ship was arrested because it was found to belong to a Russian bank that is on the sanctions list. EU in connection with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“The port authority has been instructed to release the vessel,” the source said, without elaborating. The port said that the oil cargo on the ship was not seized. The vessel is operated by Transmorflot, based in Russia.

Yesterday became knownthat a Russian company, the owner of the ship, filed a lawsuit in connection with the seizure of the Pegas tanker under the Russian flag in Karystos, claiming that the shares in the vessel were transferred to it and do not belong to a Russian bank, which was imposed by the European Union.

The Greek authorities then stated that the obligation taken by the Greek authorities in accordance with the sanctions list, as explained by the Deputy Prosecutor of the Supreme Court, Mr. Vourliotis, concerns the ship belonging to the sanctioned Russian companies, and not the cargo and, of course, not the crew, which is free to leave the ship and go anywhere.

At the time of publication of the material, according to the site marine traffic, the vessel is currently in the roadstead of the port of Karystos. Most likely the issue of mechanical failure has not yet been resolved.

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