UK Maritime Trade Operations reports ‘suspicious’ incident near UAE coast

By Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) - The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said Friday it received a report of an incident for a vessel in the Arabian Sea, 20 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan in the UAE, amid reports that a tanker veered toward Iranian waters after a small-boat approach.

UKMTO said it detected activity described as “suspicious” in connection with the incident, without providing further details, but confirmed that authorities had opened an investigation.

According to media reports, British maritime security firm Ambrey later said a Marshall Islands–flagged crude oil tanker, the Talara, traveling from the UAE to Singapore had suddenly changed course while transiting the Gulf of Oman and headed toward Iranian territorial waters.

Ambrey assessed the incident as likely a “targeted” operation, adding that three small boats had earlier approached the vessel as it sailed south through the Strait of Hormuz.

No statement has been issued yet by Iranian authorities regarding the incident.