Missing tanker never loaded or discharged cargo in the UAE

The UAE has confirmed that the oil tanker MT RIAH was never permitted to load or discharge cargo in the Emirates.

According to the national news agency WAM, there were also no Emirati nationals on board the Panama-flagged vessel.

An official from the UAE Federal Transport Authority - Land and Maritime - said the tanker in question was occasionally anchoring in UAE waters to receive provisions

MT RIAH, which was neither UAE owned nor operated, reportedly disappeared while passing through the Strait of Hormuz last week