A vessel anchored 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates was taken by unauthorised personnel and is now heading for Iranian territorial waters, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations.
The vessel’s company security officer reported the incident at 0545 UTC on 14 May. UKMTO classified the case as suspicious activity and said it was still investigating.
UKMTO has not identified the vessel, its flag, operator, cargo or crew. No group has claimed responsibility.
The incident occurred near Fujairah, a major anchorage and bunkering hub close to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most closely watched shipping corridors.
UK Maritime Trade Operations is a Royal Navy-linked reporting centre that collects and distributes maritime security information for merchant shipping, companies and regional authorities. It issues warnings and advisories to vessels operating in high-risk areas.
