The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has officially reclassified a security incident occurring 76 nautical miles south of Balhaf, Yemen, upward to an "illegal boarding."
According to updated intelligence from maritime authorities, armed personnel successfully boarded the commercial vessel. Once on board, the perpetrators inflicted physical damage to the ship’s bridge and several adjacent compartments.
Crew Safe inside Citadel; Suspects At Large
The vessel’s Company Security Officer confirmed that despite the breach, the ship's crew followed emergency security protocols and locked themselves securely inside the ship's reinforced citadel. No injuries have been reported, and the entire crew remains safe.
- Following the boarding and subsequent destruction, the armed personnel departed the vessel. They fled the scene using a small craft occupied by four individuals.
- The suspects are heavily armed, with reports confirming they are equipped with a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) launcher.
While the perpetrators have cleared the immediate vicinity of the target vessel, authorities warn that the armed small craft remains active in the area and continues to pose an immediate risk to regional maritime traffic.
Advisory for Vessels in Transit
UKMTO and regional maritime security agencies are actively investigating the situation. All commercial and private vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden and the waters off the coast of Yemen are strongly advised to:
- Maintain a high level of vigilance and continuous radar watch.
- Review and implement all standard Best Management Practices (BMP) for mitigating pirate attacks and illegal boardings.
- Immediately report any suspicious activity, skiff approaches, or low-speed contacts to UKMTO watchkeepers.
