Maritime security firm Ambrey reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy radioed six commercial vessels near the coast of Ras Al Khaimah on the evening of Saturday, October 10, warning them to leave their anchorage immediately and head towards the Dubai anchorage.

According to the report citing Ambrey, the vessels were anchored about 16.5 nautical miles (30.6 kilometres) north-northwest of Ras Al Khaimah. The warning was transmitted via marine radio Channel 16, instructing the crews to weigh anchor and leave the area immediately.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also confirmed in security notice No. 161-26 that the captains of several vessels near Ras Al Khaimah had received radio messages ordering them to leave the anchorage. The agency classified the incident as “suspicious activity” and said investigations were ongoing. However, unlike Ambrey, UKMTO did not confirm the identity of the sender.

It remains unclear whether the vessels complied with the warning. Their names, flags and ownership details have not been disclosed, and there have been no reports of an attack or damage linked to the radio warning.

The development comes amid heightened maritime tensions in the region and the Strait of Hormuz in recent days. On Friday, October 9, the oil tanker GEM NO.2 was attacked near the UAE coast and caught fire. However, no link has been confirmed between that incident and the latest radio warning.

The report follows an earlier warning from the IRGC Navy that action against vessels it says are using unauthorised maritime routes would not be limited to the Strait of Hormuz.