A vessel anchored off the coast of the United Arab Emirates has been taken over by unauthorised individuals and is now heading toward Iranian territorial waters, according to British maritime security authorities.
The incident took place around 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah, a major regional hub for bunkering and oil exports located close to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most sensitive shipping corridors.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it received reports that the vessel was boarded while at anchor at around 05:45 UTC on Thursday.
“The CSO has reported that the vessel has been taken by unauthorised personnel whilst at anchor and is now bound for Iranian Territorial Waters,” UKMTO stated in an advisory sent to the shipping community.
Maritime security firm Vanguard also confirmed the incident, saying the vessel had been taken by unauthorised personnel and was proceeding toward Iranian waters. At this stage, no details have been released regarding the ship’s identity, cargo, or the condition of the crew.
UKMTO has urged all vessels operating in the area to stay alert and report any unusual activity, while regional naval forces are understood to be closely tracking developments.
The incident is likely to revive concerns in the shipping industry, coming back to a familiar pattern of disruptions and interceptions involving commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz during periods of geopolitical tension.
It also comes at a particularly sensitive diplomatic moment, as US President Donald Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, with discussions expected to touch on the war involving Iran and its wider impact on global trade, oil markets and shipping routes.
Separately, the situation follows reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had made a discreet visit to the UAE during the conflict—claims that were quickly denied by Emirati officials.
