All 23 crew of the tanker Front Altair that was attacked in the Gulf of Oman have arrived safetly in Dubai after being flown back from Iran.
The crew landed in Dubai on Saturday evening on a flight from Bandar Abbas after their rescue from the blazing tanker by a South Korean vessel that then handed them to an Iranian naval craft.
"All crew members are well and have been well looked after while in Iran," Frontline said in a statement.
There had been concerns for the crew's security as the incident ratcheted up the already hot political temperature in the region, with both the US and UK governments claiming Iran was behind the attacks, and similar attacks on another four vessels last month.
Iran has denied involvement, despite the US military publishing drone video footage appearing to show an Iranian patrol boat removing an unexploded limpet mine from the second tanker hit, the Kokuka Courageous.
"Frontline and [manager] International Tanker Management wish to thank all those who contributed to the safe return of their much-valued seafarers and made sure they will soon be reunited with their families," Frontline added.
Worries over security has prompted Frontline to suggest that unless safety for ships in the region is strengthened it may be reluctant to fix new ships in region.
Chief executive officer Robert Hvide MacLeod told Tradewinds: "Unless the security situation is improved we will be reluctant to conclude new contracts in the area."
He added the company is also now considering employing escort ships, in the area where LR2 tanker Front Altair was attacked.
The US has pledged it will use its growing naval force in the region to ensure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is not disrupted. Around 19m barrels of oil move through the region each day, around 20% of global oil production.
Already by DHT Holdings and Heidmar are reported to have been considering taking no more fixtures in the region.
Paolo d’Amico, chairman of independent tanker owners' body Intertanko has also expressed concent.
“I am extremely worried about the safety of our crews going through the Strait of Hormuz. If the waters are becoming unsafe, the supply to the entire western world could be at risk.”
Insurance for vessels transiting the region are reported to have risen around 10% on the back of recent incidents.
Hvide Macleod was full of praise for the master of the Front Altair. "I would like to salute the Captain and the crew who performed very professionally in a difficult situation,” he said.
"The captain quickly made the prudent decision to evacuate the ship and get them safely onboard the Hyundai Dubai
"From where they were transferred to an Iranian Naval vessel who took them to the local Port of Jask and thereafter they travelled to Bandar Abbas, where they could leave from the international airport.
The tug Mubarak Challenger is now with the Front Altair and a salvage team is set to inspect the vessel, which was laden with a cargo of naptha.
