Iran seizes vessel linked to maritime security firms amid Gulf tensions
The seizure follows the sinking of an Indian-flagged ship and coincides with US-China discussions on energy security, raising questions about the militarisation of regional waters.
Iranian military personnel have seized the Honduras-flagged vessel Hui Chuan in the Gulf of Oman, according to reports from the maritime risk management company Vanguard. The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) organisation confirmed that the ship is now bound for Iranian territorial waters. BBC Verify analysed ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic, which indicates the vessel last broadcast its location 70km north-east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.
Vanguard identified the Hui Chuan as a floating armoury, stating that its operators confirmed the vessel stores weapons for security firms tasked with protecting ships from piracy. The ship had spent the previous month operating off the north-east coasts of Oman and the UAE. While the BBC cannot independently confirm the specific contents of the vessel or its ultimate users, such ships are typically based in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Gulf of Oman to facilitate the collection and drop-off of ammunition for maritime security personnel.
The incident occurs shortly after the sinking of the Indian-flagged vessel Haji Ali off the coast of Oman. Indian officials reported that the ship, which was carrying livestock from Berbera Port in Somalia to Sharjah, suffered a suspected explosion believed to be caused by a drone or missile. Vanguard noted that a fire broke out on board, forcing the crew to abandon ship before it sank.
All 14 crew members of the Haji Ali were rescued by Omani Coast Guard units and transferred to Diba Port. India’s Ministry of External Affairs labelled the attack unacceptable, while ship-tracking data confirms the 57m vessel departed Somalia on 6 May. The incident has intensified scrutiny on the security of commercial shipping lanes in the region.
Amidst the escalating tensions, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz during talks in Beijing on Thursday. The White House stated that Xi made clear China’s opposition to the militarisation of the Strait. A readout issued by the US confirmed that both leaders agreed the waterway must remain open to support the free flow of energy.
