Reports: Tanker Diverts Unexpectedly into Iranian Waters in Gulf of Oman
International maritime and security agencies reported on Friday an unusual incident involving a tanker traversing the Gulf of Oman, which unexpectedly diverted towards Iranian territorial waters, amid speculation regarding potential state involvement.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency stated in a release that it had received reports of an incident in the Arabian Sea, approximately 20 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan, UAE. The agency noted "suspicious" activity related to the incident and confirmed that authorities have initiated an investigation.
The British firm Ambrey reported that a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, en route from the UAE to Singapore, deviated unexpectedly while crossing the Gulf of Oman, heading towards Iranian waters. The firm suggested that this could be a targeted attack.
Ambrey further indicated that three small vessels approached the tanker earlier while it was navigating south through the Strait of Hormuz.
Additionally, Columbia Shipmanagement noted that the vessel, carrying high-sulfur diesel, was traveling from Sharjah, UAE, to Singapore when contact was lost.
According to two maritime sources cited by Reuters, "a preliminary assessment indicates that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has moved the tanker Talara towards the Iranian coast."
Moreover, the British military has warned that there may be "state activity" behind the sudden course change of a vessel traversing the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian authorities have not yet officially commented on the incident, although Tehran has previously reported similar occurrences involving vessels amid rising tensions with the West.
