Ships and boats in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 1, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) organization has issued a warning after receiving reports that a vessel was boarded by unauthorized personnel northeast of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, amid continuing instability around the Strait of Hormuz.
According to UKMTO Warning 057/26, issued on May 14, the incident occurred approximately 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah.
“The CSO has reported that the vessel has been taken by unauthorised personnel whilst at anchor and is now bound for Iranian Territorial Waters,” the advisory stated.
UKMTO said it continues to investigate the incident.
No details were immediately available regarding the identity of the vessel, its flag, ownership, cargo, or crew status.
UKMTO WARNING 057-26
— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) May 14, 2026
Click here to view the full warning??https://t.co/N1gbo3TWeM#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/liGiL7L1WG
The reported seizure comes as maritime security conditions across the Arabian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz remain highly unstable, with UKMTO warning that commercial traffic through the region remains “significantly reduced” following multiple security incidents over the past 48 hours.
In a separate advisory, UKMTO Warning 058/26 reported an attack on an Indian-flagged livestock carrier near Limah, Oman. The vessel reportedly suffered an explosion before sinking. All 14 crew members were rescued by Omani authorities, while India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the Indian crew were safely recovered.
UKMTO also warned that mines in and near the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) continue to pose a threat to shipping in the region, while sporadic GNSS interference remains an ongoing navigational hazard.
The latest incidents underscore the continued deterioration of maritime security around the Strait of Hormuz, where commercial shipping traffic remains heavily disrupted despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing the region and restoring confidence among shipowners, insurers, and crews.
UKMTO advised vessels operating in the area to report any suspicious activity immediately
Updated: May 27, 2026 (Originally published May 14, 2026)
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