Iranian Personnel Seize Honduras-Flagged Vessel Off UAE Coast

Iranian personnel boarded a Honduras-flagged fishery research vessel while it was anchored off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on Thursday. The vessel was located about 38 nautical miles northeast of the port of Fujairah. UK Maritime Trade Operations said the ship's company security officer reported that unauthorized personnel had taken the vessel and it was now bound for Iranian territorial waters.

The UKMTO issued the advisory after receiving the report from the vessel's security officer. It said it is seeking further information on the incident and urged vessels in the area to report any suspicious activity. Reuters later identified the ship as a fishery research vessel.

Ship tracking data showed the vessel was last seen in the Gulf of Oman just within Iran's exclusive economic zone on May 12. An exclusive economic zone can still be considered international waters under international norms. The boarding took place while the vessel was at anchor rather than while underway.

The seizure comes as the United States maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports. Iran has sought to assert control over maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz. This week Iran allowed additional Chinese vessels to pass through the strait without imposing tolls following coordination with Iranian authorities.

UKMTO did not immediately name the vessel in its initial advisory. Two maritime security sources told Reuters the ship was the Honduras-flagged fishery research vessel. The vessel had been heading toward Iranian territorial waters when it was seized.

The incident marks another boarding by Iranian personnel in the Persian Gulf region. UKMTO continues to monitor maritime activity in the area and has advised operators to exercise caution.