The United Kingdom Naval Maritime Trade Coordination Center (UKMTO) reported a ship incident 86 nautical miles northeast of the Saudi port of Ras Tannur, Focus reports.
According to information received by UKMTO:
- A small military vessel approached a merchant vessel.
- The vessel was sending green light signals to the merchant vessel's bridge.
- The merchant vessel was receiving instructions to change course towards Iranian territorial waters.
Response and warning
The Naval Centre advises all vessels in the area to exercise increased caution and report any suspicious activity.
UKMTO urges:
- Timely reporting of such incidents.
- Ensuring the safety of merchant traffic in the region.
Context and risks
The incident highlights the tensions in the Persian Gulf a bay that is strategically important for global energy trade. UKMTO's calls for increased caution come at a time of heightened activity in the region, heightening the need for vigilance among shipowners.