Tanker Crew Reports Explosions 60 Nautical Miles South of Al Mukha, Yemen

YEMEN — A company security officer reported that a tanker sighted multiple explosions close to the ship about 69 miles (111 km) south of Al Mukha, Yemen, on Sunday, October 4.

The officer reported the crew safe and no environmental impact. The warning says authorities are investigating, and it advises ships to pass with caution and to report suspicious activity.

Location

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the British center that takes hazard reports from ships and company security officers, placed the report 60 nautical miles south of Al Mukha, Yemen, the Red Sea port also called Mocha.

• Country: Yemen. The warning names Al Mukha and does not name a sea area.

• Distance and bearing: 60 nautical miles south of Al Mukha, about 69 miles (111 km) on a south bearing. The warning gives no finer bearing.

• Coordinates: the warning publishes none. No point is printed here, because a south line from the port is not a fix.

• What the place is: a coastal port on Yemen’s Red Sea shore, used here only as the warning’s reference point. The reported position is at sea, not in the port.

What the Warning Recorded

• UKMTO Warning 151-26, issued October 4, says the center received a report of an incident 60 nautical miles south of Al Mukha, with a report time of 4:50 PM UTC.

• The company security officer, the shipping company’s officer responsible for the vessel’s security, reported that a tanker sighted multiple explosions in close proximity to the vessel.

• The same warning says the crew are reported safe and that no environmental impact has been reported.

• The warning says authorities are investigating and advises vessels to transit with caution.

Official Statements

• United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, Warning 151-26, October 4: “UKMTO has received a report of an incident 60NM south of Al Mukha, Yemen. The Company Security Officer reported a tanker sighting multiple explosions in close proximity to the vessel. The crew are reported as safe and no environmental impact has been reported. Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.”

• United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, Warning 150-26, October 4: “UKMTO has received a report of an incident within the Strait of Hormuz. The Master of a tanker has reported being struck by unknown projectile, causing damage to the engine room. The crew have been reported as safe and there is no environmental impact reported at this time. Authorities are investigating.”