Vessel seized off UAE coast now heading toward Iran waters: UK agency

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Dubai: According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a ship that was anchored off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates close to the vital Strait of Hormuz was allegedly taken over by "unauthorised personnel" and is currently travelling toward Iranian territorial waters.

The incident occurred approximately 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah, a major Emirati port and centre for oil shipments, according to the British maritime service. Authorities said that the ship was anchored when it boarded. The identity of the ship has not yet been formally revealed, and no group has yet claimed responsibility.

The incident occurs when shipping routes connected to the larger Iranian conflict are increasingly affected and tensions in the Gulf region are at an all-time high. The circumstances behind the seizure are being looked into by maritime security  agencies.

With a large percentage of the world's oil and gas exports passing through it, the Strait of Hormuz continues to be one of the most important energy chokepoints in the world. The corridor's commercial shipping traffic has already fallen due to recent territorial disputes. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far.