Five armed men approached tanker off Yemen, crew changed course to escape | Ukraine news

A tanker reported an attempted approach by a small armed boat 50 nautical miles southeast of Al-Shihr, triggering evasive maneuvers and a formal inquiry.

UKMTO recorded a position about 50 nautical miles southeast of Yemen’s port town of Al-Shihr. According to the organization, the captain of a product tanker reported that a small boat (a skiff) approached the vessel with five armed individuals on board.

The men reportedly attempted to board the vessel. The crew carried out evasive maneuvers and changed course to pull away from the boat. The vessel is now heading to its next port of call, and, according to preliminary reports, all crew members are safe.

The circumstances of the incident are being investigated by the relevant authorities. UKMTO urges vessels in this area to exercise heightened caution and report any suspicious activity.

The incident remains under the control of the relevant authorities, who are coordinating the next steps and gathering data to fully determine the circumstances of the incident.

Context and Implications

The incident underscores the need for enhanced maritime security in the region and the attention of vessel operators to potential actions by armed individuals in the waters off Yemen. Ongoing investigations and monitoring of the situation continue.