Iran Begins Repatriation of Fishermen Detained in UAE After GPS Disruptions

Iran has begun repatriating 55 fishermen who were detained by the United Arab Emirates Coast Guard after GPS disruptions reportedly caused their vessels to drift into Emirati waters, according to the Iranian embassy in Abu Dhabi. The embassy announced on Tuesday that 14 fishermen had already returned to Iran aboard the vessel Aria through Bastak Port.

The embassy said another 11 fishermen are expected to return in the coming days on flights from Dubai to Mashhad after receiving the necessary travel documents. Iranian officials said the repatriation process is continuing in coordination with Emirati authorities.

Most of the detained fishermen are from Iran’s Hormozgan and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces. They were taken into custody by the UAE Coast Guard in March and April after GPS and vessel-tracking disruptions allegedly caused their boats to unintentionally cross into Emirati territorial waters, according to the Iranian embassy.