ANKARA 

A British maritime agency on Thursday reported a possible hijack of a vessel sailing near Oman after losing communication with its crew. 

In a statement, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said between four and five gunmen in military-style black uniforms with black masks boarded the vessel in an area east of Oman’s Sohar port.

The vessel “has altered course towards Iranian territorial waters and communications with the vessel have been lost,” it added.

UKMTO advised vessels “to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.”

Similar incidents have occurred recently in the region, particularly since Israel launched a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.