Iranian Forces Seize Floating Armoury Hui Chuan Northeast of Fujairah

The Honduras-flagged vessel Hui Chuan, was seized by Iranian personnel while at anchor approximately 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah at approximately 0545 GMT on May 14, UKMTO confirmed. The vessel was last reported bound for Iranian territorial waters. AIS contact was subsequently lost.

Hui Chuan had been anchored at the position for approximately one month. Crew numbers and nationalities have not been publicly confirmed.

The seizure occurred within an area Iran has recently claimed falls under an enlarged definition of its sovereignty rights in and around the Strait of Hormuz. A newly-redrawn Iranian maritime boundary map appears to encompass the busy anchorage area northeast of Fujairah where Hui Chuan was taken - a position widely used by commercial vessels awaiting transit or crew transfers.

UKMTO has advised vessels in the area to transit with caution. Investigation is ongoing.