Armed Attack on Merchant Vessel 105NM Northeast of Aden

GULF OF ADEN — The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported June 17 that a merchant vessel was approached to within four meters and fired upon by two skiffs carrying an unknown number of armed persons approximately 105 nautical miles northeast of Aden, Yemen. The vessel deployed its security team and returned fire.

The suspect skiffs disengaged and moved more than four nautical miles away. UKMTO Warning 071-26, issued on June 17 reported that the crew is safe. The vessel name and type remains withheld. No injuries were reported.

Incident Details

The attack occurred in the Gulf of Aden, a key transit corridor for commercial shipping. The two skiffs closed to very close range before opening fire.

The vessel’s onboard security team engaged, causing the skiffs to break contact without boarding or additional damage reported. UKMTO advised vessels in the area to transit with caution and report suspicious activity.

What to Watch

• Reports of additional small-craft approaches or sightings submitted to UKMTO watch-keepers.

• Any follow-up statements from UKMTO or coalition naval authorities on the June 17 investigation.

• AIS data and position reports from vessels transiting more than 100 nautical miles northeast of Aden for unusual patterns.

• Official updates from UKMTO or JMIC on changes to regional threat posture.

Official Statements

• UK Maritime Trade Operations, June 17: “UKMTO has received a report of an incident 105NM northeast of Aden, Yemen. A vessel has been approached to within 4 meters and fired upon by 2 skiffs with an unknown number of armed persons on board. The vessel has deployed security team and returned fire. The suspect skiffs have now disengaged and are in excess 4NM of the vessel. The crew are safe. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO, while authorities are investigating.”