Persian Gulf: South Korean-flagged vessel seized and held at Bandar Abbas port Jan. 4 for allegedly polluting Persian Gulf with chemicals

Event

Iranian media has reported that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces seized a South Korean-flagged vessel in the Persian Gulf Jan. 4. The apparent reason for the seizure of the vessel, which is being held at the port of Bandar Abbas, is that it was allegedly polluting the Persian Gulf with chemicals. The crew, which comprises several different nationalities, has also been detained; it is unclear how many crew members were aboard.

Persian Gulf littoral states and their allies could increase naval and aerial surveillance in the days ahead; however, shipping and maritime transport through the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman are unlikely to be affected at present.

Advice

Exercise caution and reconfirm routes with maritime authorities if transiting or shipping freight through the Persian Gulf in the coming days.