Container vessel seized by IRGC, Gulf of Oman
Issued: 5 months ago
| Date | Reference | Region | Category | Aggressors | Source |
| 13 Apr 2024 - 04:43 | CW Alert 010- (Apr 24) | Indian Ocean | Unlawful seizure | Military | UKMTO/Open Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The UKMTO have reported that a vessel has been boarded by unauthorised persons 50nm Northeast of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates (exact position not specified). The authorities are currently investigating. UPDATE 1: The UKMTO have received a report stating that the vessel has been seized by regional authorities. UPDATE 2: A further report has been received from the UKMTO stating that the vessel is a Madeira flagged cargo vessel and has altered course North into Iranian territorial waters. All communication with the vessel has ceased. UPDATE 3: The vessel owners have issued a statement confirming that they are in contact with the relevant authorities and are currently working for the release of the twenty-five crew members onboard the container vessel. They consist of seventeen Indian nationals, four Filipino nationals, two Pakistani nationals, one Russian national and one Estonian national. Further information has also been received confirming that the vessel is now located between the islands of Qeshm and Hormuz. This location is in close proximity to where three tankers seized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps last year are positioned. UPDATE 4: It has been reported that three of the four Filipino crew have been repatriated on 1st August 2024, with one of the Filipino crew being repatriated earlier in May due to health issues. Further, it is reported that Iran has agreed to replace the crew at the end of their contracts to ensure the vessel's key functions can still be maintained. | |||||