Iran Seizes 2 UAE Boats in Persian Gulf, Holds 13

Iranian Navy reportedly detained 12 United Arab Emirates (UAE) nationals and one Indian who were aboard two boats which crossed into Iran’s territorial waters in the Persian Gulf.

“The (Iranian) forces at Abu Musa Marine Patrol Base detected two intruding UAE vessels while fishing in the Persian Gulf waters and issued the order for capturing them,” said commander of the base Colonel Ali Vesali.

Vesali said those arrested were transferred to a military dock, without giving further details.

“After seizing the two vessels, the Iranian forces arrested 12 Emirati sailors and an Indian sailor onboard the boats and transferred them to a military dock,” he added.

The vessels were fishing illegally in Iran’s territorial waters, Vesali said, Alalam reported.

In early June, the forces of Iran’s marine patrol seized two Saudi fishing boats that had intruded into Iranian territorial waters near the Southwestern province of Khuzestan.

Ten Indian crewmembers on board the vessels were arrested and handed over to the Islamic Republic’s Judiciary.

Iran also seized two other intruding Saudi vessels in December 2012 and January this year.