Iranian personnel reportedly seized the Honduras-flagged Hui Chuan in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday, 14 May 2026, maritime risk management company Vanguard said, citing a company security officer. Vanguard said the vessel’s operators described it as a floating armoury.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations organisation (UKMTO) said a company security officer had reported that unauthorised personnel took control of a vessel anchored 38 nautical miles, about 70km or 40 miles, north-east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. The officer reported that the vessel was heading towards Iranian territorial waters.
UKMTO’s 14 May warning did not name the vessel or identify the boarding personnel, and said its investigation was continuing. The reported location is near the approach to the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global energy shipments.
MarineTraffic location data indicated that Hui Chuan had spent the preceding month off the north-east coasts of Oman and the UAE. What the vessel was carrying and who was using it remained unconfirmed.
Weapons storage for maritime security teams
Floating armouries store weapons and ammunition for private security teams protecting commercial ships against piracy. They operate in areas including the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman, allowing guards to collect and return equipment between assignments.
The vessels can also accommodate guards. Keeping firearms offshore allows security contractors to avoid moving them through ports, where they face local laws and administrative requirements.
Haji Ali attacked off Oman
In a separate incident, the Indian-flagged Haji Ali was attacked off Oman on Wednesday, 13 May, Mukesh Mangal, an official in India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said. He said the attack caused a fire and the vessel sank.
Vanguard reported a suspected explosion believed to have been caused by a drone or missile. The company said Haji Ali was carrying livestock when a fire reportedly broke out, forcing the crew to abandon ship.
MarineTraffic data indicated that the 57m vessel had left Berbera Port in Somalia on 6 May. India’s shipping ministry said its destination was Sharjah in the UAE.
India’s government said all 14 crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard and reached Dibba Port in Oman. India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the attack “unacceptable”.
Hormuz discussed at Beijing talks
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday, 14 May. In its account of the talks, the White House said Xi had “made clear China’s opposition to the militarization of the Strait”. It also said both sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open to support the free flow of energy.
