Iranian forces have reportedly seized a vessel operating as a “floating armoury” in the Gulf of Oman, according to maritime security company Vanguard. The ship is said to be heading toward Iranian territorial waters following the incident.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also confirmed that the vessel was moving toward Iranian waters after being intercepted.
BBC Verify reviewed tracking information from MarineTraffic, which showed the vessel — identified as the Honduras-flagged Hui Chuan — last transmitted its position about 70km northeast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.
According to Vanguard, the operators of the Hui Chuan stated that the ship was functioning as a floating armoury. Such vessels are commonly used by private maritime security companies to store weapons and ammunition for guards protecting commercial ships from piracy attacks.
The exact cargo onboard the vessel and the identity of its clients have not been independently confirmed.
Floating armouries are frequently positioned in strategic waters such as the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Gulf of Oman, allowing security personnel to collect and return weapons while operating in high-risk maritime zones.
Tracking data further showed that the Hui Chuan had spent several weeks operating near the northeastern coasts of Oman and the UAE before the reported seizure.
The incident comes shortly after another maritime security event involving the Indian-flagged vessel Haji Ali off the coast of Oman.
Indian officials said the ship reportedly sank after a suspected explosion, which Vanguard believes may have been caused by a drone or missile strike.
Authorities confirmed that all Indian crew members were rescued safely by Omani forces.
MarineTraffic records indicate that the 57-meter vessel departed Berbera Port in Somalia on 6 May and was heading toward Sharjah in the UAE.
Vanguard reported that the ship was transporting livestock when a fire broke out onboard, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel before it eventually sank.
A total of 14 crew members were rescued by the Oman Coast Guard and transferred to Diba Port in Oman.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs described the attack as “unacceptable” and called for maritime safety in the region.
Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz were also discussed during talks in Beijing between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to the White House, China expressed opposition to any militarization of the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides also agreed on the importance of keeping the strategic waterway open to ensure uninterrupted global energy supplies.
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