The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Thursday that a commercial ship was boarded by unauthorized individuals while anchored near the United Arab Emirates, close to the Strait of Hormuz.
This event occurred approximately 38 nautical miles (70 kilometers) northeast of Fujairah’s oil export terminal. After the boarding incident, the vessel was observed moving toward Iranian territorial waters, according to the UKMTO.
As per information from the BBC, citing maritime risk-management company Vanguard, the vessel involved was identified as the Honduras-flagged Hui Chuan. Ship-tracking data confirmed the vessel’s last known position in the region on May 13.
Vanguard indicated that operators of the Hui Chuan claimed it functioned as a floating armory, stating it “stores weapons for security companies that protect ships from pirate attacks.”
Floating armories serve as commercial vessels stationed in specific maritime zones to aid private maritime security firms. They enable armed personnel to manage firearms, ammunition, and necessary equipment in international waters, thus adhering to regulatory constraints concerning weapon movements.
Such vessels have been utilized for years in maritime regions affected by piracy, including the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
Reports from multiple sources indicated that Iranian military personnel were responsible for the seizure. However, the UKMTO chose not to specify the vessel’s name or the identities of those involved but described them as “unauthorized personnel.” Investigations were still underway as of Thursday.
Since February 2026, at least two additional ships have also been seized by Iranian forces. In April, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps captured the Panamanian-flagged vessels MSC Francesca and Epaminondes.
Additionally, an Indian-flagged livestock carrier, the Haji Ali, was attacked off the coast of Oman on May 13.
This vessel had set sail from Berbera Port in Somalia and was heading for Sharjah in the UAE. It reportedly sank after a suspected explosion, with all 14 Indian crew members rescued by Omani coast guard units.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs termed the attack “unacceptable” and called for a thorough investigation.
The Hui Chuan incident was reported coinciding with a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where both leaders emphasized the need for an open Strait of Hormuz to ensure energy flow.
No further information regarding the Hui Chuan’s crew, cargo status, or claims of responsibility has been released by Iranian authorities or international agencies as of this report. UKMTO and other maritime organizations continue to advise heightened vigilance for vessels operating in the area.
