This CCTV image shows the moment the South Korean-flagged oil tanker MT Hankuk Chem was intercepted by an Iranian Revolutionary Guards speedboat (circled) in the Gulf’s Strait of Hormuz on Jan 4, over the ship’s alleged oil pollution. The ship’s operator has denied the allegations. — AFP/VNA Photo

HÀ NỘI — Two Vietnamese sailors are onboard a Korean tanker which is being detained in Iran over allegations of oil pollution.

The Foreign Ministry has said Việt Nam is working to ensure safety and the rights of the sailors. 

Spokesperson Lê Thị Thu Hằng said that upon receiving information about Iran’s detainment of the tanker Hankuk Chemi with 20 crewmembers, including two Vietnamese, the Foreign Ministry had immediately contacted the embassies of the RoK and Iran in Hà Nội.

The tanker is being detained over allegations of oil pollution, which the ship's operator has denied.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese representative offices in the RoK and Iran are working with relevant agencies and the owner of the vessel to verify the information, seek assurances of the safety of the Vietnamese crewmembers and a quickly settleany disputes.

The Foreign Ministry also contacted the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Transport Ministry to confirm the identity of the Vietnamese sailors and request any companies employing Vietnamese sailors abroad ensure their legitimate rights and interests.

Following the Foreign Ministry’s directions, Việt Nam’s representative offices in Iran and the RoK are monitoring the situation and are ready to conduct necessary citizen protection measures to safeguard the Vietnamese sailors. — VNS