The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) organization has issued a warning after receiving reports that a vessel was boarded by unauthorized personnel northeast of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, amid continuing instability around the Strait of Hormuz.
According to UKMTO Warning 057-26, issued early Thursday, the incident occurred approximately 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah.
“The CSO has reported that the vessel has been taken by unauthorised personnel whilst at anchor and is now bound for Iranian Territorial Waters,” the advisory stated.
UKMTO said it is continuing to investigate the incident.
UKMTO WARNING 057-26
Click here to view the full warning??https://t.co/N1gbo3TWeM#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/liGiL7L1WG
— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) May 14, 2026
No details were immediately available regarding the identity of the vessel, its flag, ownership, cargo, or crew status.
The reported incident comes as maritime security concerns remain elevated across the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz following months of conflict, military operations, and growing concerns over Iranian control of shipping movements through the region.
Commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing the region and restoring confidence among shipowners, insurers, and crews.
UKMTO advised vessels operating in the area to report any suspicious activity immediately.
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