Pirates Board Tanker in Gulf of Aden During Armed Attack

An armed pirate attack targeted a tanker in the Gulf of Aden on Tuesday, approximately 76 nautical miles south of Balhaf, Yemen, marking the latest security incident involving commercial shipping in the region.

According to reports, four pirates armed with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and other weapons approached the tanker in a small boat. After the attackers boarded the vessel, the crew halted the ship’s movement and retreated to the citadel, where they sent out a distress call and waited for assistance.

The pirates eventually abandoned the vessel. Once the crew safely emerged from the citadel, they discovered damage to the bridge and several nearby compartments. No injuries were reported among the crew.

Following the attack, the small boat remained in the area, prompting concerns that it could threaten other ships navigating nearby waters.

Just over two hours later, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued another security advisory after the master of a separate tanker reported a suspicious encounter around 85 nautical miles south of Balhaf. A small craft carrying four people approached to within approximately two nautical miles of the vessel’s port quarter before changing course and heading south. The tanker continued its voyage without incident, and the crew remained safe.

In late April, UKMTO raised its regional maritime threat level to “severe” following a rapid decline in security conditions. The organization believes two separate pirate action groups are responsible for the recent increase in attacks on merchant vessels.

UKMTO continues to advise all ships transiting the region to register with the organization and maintain a heightened level of vigilance while operating in the area.