Iran Stops, Seizes Saudi Vessels in Southern Waters

Iran’s coast guard units seized 7 Saudi dhows after they illegally entered Iran’s territorial waters near the Southern province of Hormozgan, a commander announced on Saturday.
“The vessels have trespassed on Parsian fishing and coast guard zone this week and they were seized in joint operations by the coast guards and the Fish Reserves Protection Unit of Hormozgan,” FRPUH Commander Hassan Toulabi told FNA.

He said the 27 crews and sailors of the 7 vessels have been detained and will be handed over to the Judiciary officials after the necessary legal procedures.

In a relevant event in June, Iranian coast guard units seized two Saudi vessels after they illegally entered Iran’s territorial waters near the Southwestern province of Khouzestan.

“These two vessels with 10 Indian crewmembers on board were illegally fishing in the fishing areas of Khouzestan,” Commander of Mahshahr Coast Guard Karam Reza Piriyayi said at the time.

The Iranian commander said that all crewmembers have been arrested and handed over to the country’s Judiciary.