Video of Iranian Forces Seizing Greek-Owned Vessel Epaminondas – Watch the Footage

Video footage has emerged showing Iranian forces seizing a Greek-linked container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, an incident that has drawn attention from international media and maritime authorities. The video, released by Iranian state media, depicts the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) boarding the vessel Epaminondas after opening fire on it during transit through the strategic waterway.

The seizure took place on April 22, 2026, when an armed IRGC fast boat approached the Epaminondas approximately 20 nautical miles off Oman’s coast at 6:50 a.m. Local time. According to reports from IRIB News and confirmed by the ship’s operator, Technomar Shipping Inc., the IRGC used portable anti-tank rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and small arms during the assault, causing significant damage to the ship’s bridge.

The Epaminondas, a Liberian-flagged container ship operated by Maersk and owned by the Greek-linked company Technomar Shipping Inc., was targeted as part of a broader series of maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz on the same day. All crew members were accounted for and reported to be in good health, with no injuries or environmental incidents resulting from the attack.

Diaplous Maritime Security confirmed that the vessel’s master stated the IRGC craft approached without prior VHF communication before opening fire. The incident was one of three reported attacks on container ships in the Strait of Hormuz on April 22, 2026, involving vessels linked to different national interests.

UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the MSC Francesca, a Panama-flagged container ship (11,660 TEU, built in 2008), was also hit by Iranian gunfire on the same day. Later, Reuters reported a third incident involving the Panama-flagged container ship Euphoria, owned by a UAE-based company, which came under fire about eight nautical miles west of Iran. The crew of the Euphoria was reported safe, and no damage to the vessel was confirmed.

The seizure of the Epaminondas highlights ongoing tensions in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, where a significant portion of global oil trade passes. While the incident primarily involves shipping and international relations, it has been covered by Greek media outlets such as Skai, which shared the video under the headline “Βίντεο από την κατάληψη του «Epaminondas» από ιρανικές δυνάμεις,” bringing the event to the attention of Greek-speaking audiences interested in developments affecting Greek-linked maritime interests.

As of April 23, 2026, no further statements have been issued by Maersk or Technomar Shipping Inc. Regarding the status of the Epaminondas or potential next steps for the vessel and its crew. The IRGC has not released additional details about the operation beyond the initial video and claims that the ships were targeted following prior attacks on Iranian vessels—a claim that has not been independently verified in the available sources.