Stena Bulk says it has had contact with crew of seized tanker

Stena Bulk, the Swedish-based operator of a British-flagged tanker seized last week by Iran, has been in contact by telephone with the 23 crew members of the vessel, Stena Impero, a spokesman for the operator said on Wednesday.

"We had direct contact with the crew onboard the vessel last night by telephone and they're all okay and in good health and they're getting good cooperation with the Iranians on board the vessel," spokesman Pat Adamson said.

"We see this as a first step and progress towards a resolution," he added.