Iranian forces seized the Portuguese ship “MCS ARIES” in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, as reported by Israeli media. The ship is currently sailing in the Persian Gulf, according to Marine Traffic, a ship tracking site.
Israeli media outlets mentioned that the MSC Aries is believed to be linked to Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Maritime Shipping Company.
Al Hadath, a Saudi news outlet, confirmed Iran’s seizure, stating that the ship seized was a commercial vessel carrying containers and was en route to India.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported the incident, stating that a vessel was seized by “regional authorities” 50 nautical miles northeast of the United Arab Emirates’ Fujairah.
Although UKMTO did not specify the authorities involved, both reports indicate the same location, and there are no other incidents reported in the area.
This incident occurs amid tensions of a potential Iranian attack against Israel, prompting Israel to maintain a high state of alert since late Thursday night.