Vessel seized off UAE coast by unauthorized individuals now heading toward Iranian waters
The incident occurred 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah (UAE) (Photo: UKMTO)
A vessel anchored northeast of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, was seized by unauthorized individuals and is now heading toward Iranian territorial waters, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre reported on May 14.
The incident occurred approximately 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah. UKMTO said the vessel was boarded while at anchor and confirmed that the investigation is continuing. The name of the vessel has not been disclosed.
Bloomberg noted that the incident occurred as vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has increased, and comes just days after Iran introduced updated transit procedures for ships passing through the strategic waterway.
The seizure follows Iran's capture of the Barbados-flagged oil tanker Ocean Koi on May 8. Iranian state media claimed the tanker had "attempted to disrupt oil exports," while Bloomberg reported that the vessel may itself have been carrying Iranian oil.
On May 7, CNN reported that Iran had introduced a new set of rules for vessels seeking to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
The document, titled "Vessel Information Declaration," is a form issued by Iran's newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) and must be completed by the operators of all vessels transiting the strait.
The form contains more than 40 questions, requiring the vessel name, identification number, any "previous names," country of origin, and other details.
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