Iranian navy commandos on Saturday seized a container ship belonging to an Israeli billionaire, local media outlets reported.
According to Israel's Channel 14 and Times of Israel, the vessel seized in the Strait of Hormuz was MSC Aries, which carries the Portuguese flag and belongs to Zodiac Maritime shipping company owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.
On the other hand, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said in a statement that a ship has been seized in the area, without providing details.
"Vessel reported to have been seized by regional authorities," UKMTO said, warning that: "Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO."
Italian-Swiss Shipping group MSC said that there were 25 crew members on board a container ship seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the Gulf, as tensions soar in the region.
"We regret to confirm that MSC Aries... has been boarded by Iranian authorities via helicopter as she passed the Strait of Hormuz at approximately 0243 UTC this morning," the group said in a statement. "She has 25 crew onboard, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure their wellbeing, and safe return of the vessel."
