Iran reportedly seizes vessel described as floating armoury in Gulf of Oman
A vessel described as a floating armoury has reportedly been seized by Iranian military personnel in the Gulf of Oman, according to maritime risk management company Vanguard.
The ship is said to be bound for Iranian territorial waters.
The vessel has been identified as the Honduras-flagged Hui Chuan.
UK Maritime Trade Operations said the ship was heading towards Iranian territorial waters, while ship-tracking data reviewed by BBC Verify showed it last broadcast its position about 70km north-east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.
Vanguard said the ship's operators told it the vessel was being used as a floating armoury to store weapons for security firms protecting ships at sea from pirate attacks.
BBC Verify said it could not confirm what was on board or who was using it.
The reported seizure comes amid heightened concern over maritime security in the region.
Location data shows Hui Chuan spent the past month off the north-east coasts of Oman and the UAE.
The vessel is one of a type that has previously been based in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman so security guards can collect and drop off weapons and ammunition more easily.
