A maritime security incident unfolded in the Red Sea on Sunday morning when armed individuals aboard a small vessel made an attempt to board a sailing ship in waters off the coast of Yemen. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency flagged the event as suspicious activity, as reported by Ship & Bunker.
Incident Details
According to Ship & Bunker, UKMTO disclosed via social media that between 10 and 12 individuals aboard a skiff — several of them carrying automatic weapons — approached a sailing vessel located approximately 54 nautical miles south-west of Al Hudaydah at 11:25 AM UTC.
The agency stated that those on the skiff demanded the sailing vessel come to a stop. When the vessel’s master refused to comply, the skiff crew moved to close the distance and bring their vessel alongside in an attempt to board.
“The master deployed a flare, and the skiff turned away and departed to the southeast,” UKMTO said in its social media post, as cited by Ship & Bunker.
Regional Security Context
Ship & Bunker notes that Yemen’s Houthi movement has previously threatened to resume attacks on commercial shipping transiting the Red Sea, citing the ongoing conflict in Iran as a trigger. However, the publication also reports that little concrete evidence of renewed Houthi maritime activity has surfaced at this stage.
The incident serves as a reminder of the persistent security risks facing vessels operating in the southern Red Sea corridor, an area that has experienced significant instability in recent years.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
