Marine Traffic's ship tracking data revealed on Monday that three empty oil and chemicals tankers had diverted from the Strait of Hormuz, and changed their course. This was amid increasing uncertainty about whether Iran would retaliate in the crucial waterway following U.S. strikes on Tehran's nuke facilities.

The Marie C and Red Ruby dropped anchor near Fujairah, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, after sailing to the Strait with ballast and not cargo.

MarineTraffic data shows that the Kohzan Maru was close to Omani water in the Gulf of Oman.

Nippon Yusen of Japan and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines announced on Monday that they have instructed their vessels not to spend too much time in the Gulf while they transit the Strait of Hormuz. (Reporting and editing by Kevin Liffey; Jonathan Saul)

(source: Reuters)