Priority Broadcast Alert – Indian Ocean Region

UPDATE02: Ambrey received information that the Panama-flagged tanker issued a false hijack distress call. The tanker was not hijacked. Ambrey understands that the vessel had previously conducted similar actions, reportedly aimed at garnering external attention over matters onboard. The incident has been downgraded to situational awareness, sighting.

UPDATE 01: An apparently Panama-flagged, UAE-linked products tanker was reportedly interdicted approximately 51NM northwest of Bandar-e Jask, Iran. Ambrey received information that an urgency broadcast had been transmitted on VHF Channel 16, stating that the vessel had been “hijacked.” Ambrey assessed that the vessel aligned with the Iranian “shadow fleet”. There is assessed to be no heightened risk to other vessels in proximity. Ambrey is aware that, following the broadcast, the vessel did not respond to hails. Ambrey subsequently observed that the vessel’s AIS transmissions appeared irregular after 18:54 UTC, within an hour of the broadcast, at which time, the vessel was headed towards the Strait of Hormuz. A sister vessel had been designated by OFAC under an Iranian sanctions programme.
ADVICE: Merchant shipping is advised to report any unusual or suspicious activity. Ambrey advises merchant shipping to check their affiliation with the Iranian target profile, but this is assessed not to have changed.

Ambrey is aware of an incident approximately 50NM northwest of Bandar-e Jask, Iran. Ambrey is investigating and will provide updates when available.