Ship potentially hijacked now ‘safe’: maritime agency

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — A ship that was possibly hijacked off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday is now “safe,” a British Maritime agency stated on Wednesday morning. The incident came days after two were killed in an attack on a tanker blamed on Iran. 

On Tuesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a “potential hijack” on a ship that was identified by maritime analysts as the Panama-flagged Asphalt Princess. 

Twelve hours later, UKMTO said the incident was over: “Boarders have left the vessel. Vessel is safe.”

The United States said it is too early to reach any conclusions, but noted Iranian "belligerence." 

“It’s far too premature for us to render a judgment,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters on Tuesday.

“As we said in the context of the Iranian attack on the Mercer Street, we have seen a very disturbing pattern of belligerence from Iran, including belligerence in the maritime domain,” he added.

The incident occurred at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest waterways and an important route for the oil trade. 

Tehran denied any responsibility. 

“Reported "incidents" in the Persian Gulf and broader region appear utterly suspicious,” tweeted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibazadeh.

“Reaffirming our strong commitment to regional stability & maritime security, Iran stands ready to offer assistance in case of any maritime accidents,” he added.

Iran has been blamed for a deadly attack on the Mercer Street, an Israeli-linked tanker, off the coast of Oman that killed two last week. The UK and US said the ship was attacked by a drone. Price said Washington is consulting with allies and governments in the region to decide on an “appropriate response.”