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Ship anchored off east coast of UAE seized and heading toward Iranian waters, UKMTO says
A vessel anchored northeast of Fujairah, UAE, was seized by unauthorised personnel and is reportedly heading toward Iranian territorial waters, according to UKMTO. The incident is under investigation.
Why It Matters
The seizure underscores heightened regional tensions and could affect transit through the Hormuz Strait and related energy routes.
Timeline
1 Event
UKMTO reports vessel seized by unauthorised personnel while anchored near Fujairah
May 14, 2026
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre said it received reports that a ship anchored 38 nautical miles (70 km) northeast of the UAE port of Fujairah was taken by unauthorised personnel. The vessel, which had been anchored off the UAE coast, is now reportedly heading toward Iranian territorial waters. UKMTO said it is investigating the incident and did not name the ship. Fujairah is a key oil export terminal and the UAE's main port outside the Persian Gulf.