(LEAD) Operator of seized S. Korean oil tanker denies allegations of pollution
(ATTN: UPDATES throughout; ADDS photo)
SEOUL, Jan. 4 (Yonhap) -- The operator of a South Korean-flagged oil tanker seized by Iran Monday denied that the vessel polluted waters in the Persian Gulf.
An official from the operator, DM Shipping, based in the southeastern city of Busan, said that the Iranian authorities contacted the vessel, MT Hankuk Chemi, as it sailed in high seas and that there was no pollution.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps boarded the ship at around 4:30 p.m. and demanded the ship face examinations in Iranian waters, the official said.
"(The ship's captain) asked why we have to go and be examined and did not get any answer," he added.
Seoul's foreign ministry confirmed that the ship, which was travelling in waters near Oman, is moving towards Iranian waters upon Iranian authorities' request. It said that South Korea's anti-piracy Cheonghae Unit is moving toward the scene.
"The foreign ministry and the South Korean embassy in Iran have found that the crews are safe, and are requesting the early release of the ship," the ministry said in a statement.
The defense ministry said that it will deal with the seizure in cooperation with the ministries of foreign affairs and fisheries, and a multinational naval force operating in nearby waters.
The vessel was carrying 20 crewmembers -- 5 Koreans, 11 Myanmarese, two Indonesians and two Vietnamese.
The incident came as tensions have been rising between the United States and Iran, with Tehran beginning uranium enrichment up to 20 percent at an underground facility and marking the first anniversary of the death of a general killed in a U.S. drone strike.
South Korea has been facing a diplomatic quandary between the U.S., its core ally, and Iran, a key trade partner in the Middle East.

This photo, captured from the DM Shipping website, shows the South Korean oil tanker, MT Hankuk Chemi. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
Arrest warrant hearing for DP leader Lee to be held Tuesday
-
Allies vow stern measures against Russia-N. Korea arms deal
-
S. Korea calls on Russia to 'transparently explain' its dealing with N. Korea amid suspected arms supply agreement
-
(2nd LD) U.S. finalizes national security 'guardrails' for CHIPS funding
-
(2nd LD) N. Korea holds politburo meeting to discuss Kim-Putin summit: KCNA
-
5 years after signing, future of inter-Korean military accord unclear
-
In desperation, N. Korea, Russia turn to one another for mutual assistance rivaling U.S.-S. Korea cooperation
-
Yoon seeks to carve out bigger role for S. Korea in Indo-Pacific, world
-
Despite gov't assurance, seafood safety woes spread in S. Korea over Japan's Fukushima plan
-
S. Korea-U.S.-Japan summit outcomes herald deeper, consistent security cooperation against N. Korean, other challenges: analysts