Armed Pirates Board Tanker, Damage Bridge, Target Second Commercial Vessel Off Yemen

Armed pirates targeted two commercial vessels in separate incidents in the Gulf of Aden on July 1, boarding one tanker before leaving after the crew took shelter in the ship’s citadel and later attempting to intercept another vessel, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The incidents took place south of Balhaf, Yemen, along a major international shipping route. UKMTO warned that the pirate group remained active in the area and could pose a threat to other merchant ships.

The first incident happened about 76 nautical miles south of Balhaf. UKMTO said a vessel was approached by a small craft carrying four armed men.

The crew moved into the ship’s citadel and were reported safe. A nearby vessel also reported hearing small-arms fire over VHF Channel 16, although UKMTO said this could not be confirmed.

In a later update, UKMTO said the small craft had left the vessel but was still operating nearby. The company security officer reported that the four men were armed with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and that the ship had suffered minor damage to its bridge.

UKMTO later reclassified the incident as an illegal boarding after the vessel’s master confirmed that the four armed men had boarded the tanker.

They damaged the bridge and several nearby compartments before leaving. The crew remained safe inside the citadel throughout the incident.

After the pirates fled, the crew inspected the vessel and found the boarding ladders still attached to the ship. As a precaution, they returned to the citadel until help arrived.

Later the same day, another commercial vessel reported being approached by a small craft about 85 nautical miles south of Balhaf.

The vessel’s master said the skiff, carrying four people, approached from the port quarter when it was about two nautical miles away.

The small craft, described as having a low freeboard and an orange interior, later turned away and headed south. The crew remained safe and the vessel continued its voyage.

Maritime security reports said the four armed men involved in the second incident were believed to be the same group that boarded the first tanker because of the timing and location.

The second vessel was able to carry out evasive manoeuvres, preventing the pirates from boarding before the skiff abandoned the chase.

UKMTO has advised all vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity, warning that the pirate group could still target other ships.

Reference: UKMTO