The Iranian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has begun repatriating detained Iranian fishermen following successful diplomatic negotiations with Emirati authorities. Earlier, 55 civilian fishermen drifted into Emirati waters after severe disruptions affected regional vessel-tracking systems. Consular officials confirmed that the returning citizens are now traveling home through several routes. Most of the fishermen come from the coastal provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan and Hormozgan.
A group of 14 crew members completed their sea journey aboard the merchant vessel Aria, which arrived safely at Bastak Port. Meanwhile, another group of 11 citizens will fly from Dubai to Mashhad. Embassy staff issued emergency travel documents to speed up their departure. Officials have also coordinated transportation and travel arrangements for 44 of the detained fishermen.
The Emirati Coast Guard intercepted the civilian fishing vessels after they entered the country’s territorial waters last spring. Maritime security officers detained the fishermen during March and April after their boats lost course. Authorities held the crew members for more than 60 days at several facilities, including the Sweihan immigration detention center and correctional facilities in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
Iranian diplomats worked closely with their Emirati counterparts throughout the process. They monitored the fishermen’s well-being, accelerated the release procedures, and ensured suitable conditions during their detention. Their continued cooperation enabled the fishermen to return home safely despite broader regional geopolitical tensions.
According to official reports, widespread Global Positioning System (GPS) interference during regional military activity caused the navigation errors. The disruptions affected vessel-tracking systems across much of the Persian Gulf, causing several civilian fishing boats to lose their bearings and unintentionally drift across the maritime border.
Iran and the United Arab Emirates regularly use bilateral consular channels to resolve accidental maritime border crossings. This established diplomatic framework between Abu Dhabi and Tehran helped both sides reach a peaceful and timely resolution. Observers say these communication channels reduce the risk of minor maritime incidents escalating into broader disputes.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry expects to complete the repatriation process soon. Meanwhile, maritime safety organizations are urging commercial and fishing vessel operators to install redundant backup navigation systems to reduce the risks associated with future navigation disruptions. The successful return of the fishermen marks a positive step toward strengthening humanitarian cooperation and improving regional maritime safety.