Security Firm Ambrey Declares Ship Hijack Off Iran a Misunderstanding

DUBAI, May 21 (Reuters) – A recent alert regarding a potential hijacking of a Panama-flagged oil tanker near Iran turned out to be nothing more than a false alarm, according to British maritime security experts at Ambrey. The incident was initially reported on Tuesday adn occurred approximately 51 nautical miles northwest of Bandar-e jask, an Iranian port located near the heavily trafficked Strait of Hormuz.

Ambrey labeled the situation as a “false hijack distress call” and noted that this vessel had been involved in similar incidents before. Interestingly,they suggested that this tanker might belong to what’s known as Iran’s “shadow fleet,” which consists of vessels operating under various flags to evade sanctions. In fact, one of its sister ships is already listed by the U.S. Office of foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

this situation highlights ongoing tensions in maritime operations around Iran and raises questions about the safety protocols for vessels navigating these waters. With shipping routes being crucial for global trade, incidents like these can create needless panic among operators and investors alike.

In light of this event, it’s essential for shipping companies to remain vigilant while also understanding that not every alert indicates an actual threat. As we continue monitoring developments in maritime security, staying informed through reliable sources is key—consider subscribing to daily updates from trusted platforms.

(Reporting by Elwely Elwely; writng by Ahmed Elimam; editing by Jason Neely)