Iraqi Coast Guard Intercepts Kuwaiti Fishing Boat in Al-Faw Waters

BASRA — The Iraqi Coast Guard on Wednesday stopped a Kuwaiti-flagged fishing boat that had entered Iraqi territorial waters near buoy No. 5 off the coast of Al-Faw, according to a security source who spoke to 964media.

The vessel, named Dana, was carrying a Kuwaiti fisherman and three Bangladeshi workers. Initial reports suggest the boat’s captain, a Kuwaiti national, fled before the vessel crossed into Iraqi waters.

“A Kuwaiti-flagged fishing boat entered Iraqi territorial waters at Ras Al-Faw, near what is called buoy 5, close to the ship waiting point,” the security source said.

Iraqi naval forces stopped the boat and detained those on board. “The crew included one Kuwaiti fisherman and three Bangladeshi workers. They were questioned about how they reached the area,” the source added.

According to the workers, the captain left them before they entered Iraqi waters. “They stated that the captain, a Kuwaiti citizen, escaped before they arrived in Iraqi territory, and they were unaware of their location,” the source said.

As per standard procedure, Iraqi authorities are transferring the workers’ documents to port officials to complete legal processes.