Ship seized near UAE coast and headed for Iranian waters, UK agency says
A ship off the United Arab Emirates coast near the Strait of Hormuz has been taken by unknown people and is now heading towards Iranian waters, according to a UK maritime agency.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said the vessel was taken by unauthorised personnel while at anchor 38 nautical miles, or 70 kilometres, northeast of Fujairah.
It said the ship was now bound for Iranian territorial waters.
The agency did not identify the vessel or say who was behind the seizure.
It said it was investigating and advised ships in the area to report any suspicious activity.
The incident adds to concern over maritime security in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
Several ships have been seized or attacked in the area as tensions have continued between Iran and the US.
The supporting report also referred to other recent incidents, including an attack on an Indian-flagged ship off Oman, a cargo ship struck in Hormuz, and a freighter hit by a drone after leaving Abu Dhabi.
It also said Iran has captured a number of vessels, including the tanker Ocean Koi, which it said was carrying Iranian oil.
