UKMTO reports unauthorised boarding 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla in the Gulf of Aden
Gulf of Aden, Yemen
A tanker was boarded by six armed individuals approximately 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, Yemen, after the vessel reported an unauthorised approach, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
The armed individuals reportedly took control of the vessel and redirected it towards Somalia, raising concerns over a possible maritime hijacking in the Gulf of Aden.
The incident comes amid renewed concerns over maritime security in waters around Yemen and Somalia. UKMTO has continued to issue warnings to commercial shipping operating in the region following a series of recent incidents involving armed boardings and vessel seizures.
Authorities are investigating the incident, while the status and safety of the vessel's crew remain subject to confirmation.
The Gulf of Aden remains a strategically important shipping corridor connecting the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea, making security incidents in the area a concern for international commercial shipping.
Published by:
Omar Haddad | Correspondent, Middle East