Military officials are urgently attempting to make contact with British-flagged tanker had taken a turn into Iranian waters. A spokesman for the MoD said: “We are urgently seeking further information and assessing the situation following reports of an incident in the Gulf.” The vessel is British-flagged and Swedish-owned and has been impounded by Iran.

The tanker is headed for a Revolutionary Guard base at Qeshm, with Northern Marine, the Clyde-based subsidiary of the Swedish firm Stena AB, confirming aggressive action caused the vessel’s change of direction this afternoon, Sky News sources claim.

The ship was on its way to Saudi Arabia.

Sources also claim there is a crew of 23 on board.

The Times reports crew have not been in contact with MoD officials in the past hour.

The tanker is called Stena Impero and is reported to have taken a very sudden turn into Iranian waters.

Maps show the sudden change of movement to be concerning.

Images of the ship are now being broadcast on Iranian TV.

A major emergency Cabinet meeting is currently underway. 

In a statement Northern Marine Management said: “Dena Bulk and Northern Marine Management can confirm that at approximately 1600 BST on 19th July UK registered vessel Stena Impero was approached by unidentified small coasts and a helicopter during transit of the Strait o Hormuz while the vessel was in international waters.

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