Armed Skiff Approaches Product Tanker off Al-Shihr, Yemen

ARABIAN SEA — A skiff carrying five armed persons approached a product tanker approximately 50 nautical miles southeast of Al-Shihr, Yemen, on June 21 according to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Warning 072-26.

The vessel conducted evasive maneuvers and altered course away from the skiff. The vessel and crew remained safe and continued to the next port of call. Authorities are investigating the incident.

The approach matches the profile of multiple earlier reports this month in the same waters.

• On June 15 a tanker 111 nautical miles southeast of Aden reported an approach by a small skiff with four armed crew members who opened fire with an RPG.

• On June 17 a vessel 105 nautical miles northeast of Aden was approached to within four meters by two skiffs with armed persons on board; the vessel deployed its security team, returned fire, and the skiffs disengaged.

Skiff Approach

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Warning 072-26 states that at 1:19 p.m. UTC on June 21 the master of a product tanker said the approach by the skiff.

Five armed persons on the skiff appeared to be attempting to board the vessel. The vessel responded with evasive maneuvers and altered course away from the skiff, resulting in no contact or damage.

The warning confirms no injuries or damage to the vessel occurred. The vessel proceeded to its next port of call after the encounter.

The UKMTO advises vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.

Investigation Status

The master reported the incident directly to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. Authorities continue to investigate the approach.

The warning contains no further details on the identity or origin of the skiff or its occupants. No follow-up updates have yet been issued on this specific incident.

Regional Maritime Advisory

On June 20 the Joint Maritime Information Center issued Advisory Note 010-26 on transit procedures for the Strait of Hormuz. That advisory addresses a separate geographic area and contains no reference to activity off Yemen or to the June 21 incident.

No direct connection between the two products has been identified in official releases. The advisory sets a moderate threat level for the Strait of Hormuz and outlines standard transit procedures for vessels in the area.

What to Watch

• Any United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations follow-up reports or investigation outcomes on the June 21 skiff approach.

• Additional United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations warnings for suspicious activity or attacks in the Gulf of Aden or Arabian Sea in the coming 48 hours.

• Any statements from the vessel operator, flag state, or coastal authorities regarding the incident.

• Changes in United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations threat advisories or routing recommendations for the southern Arabian Sea.

Official Statements

• United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, June 21: “UKMTO has received a report of an incident 50NM southeast of Al-Shihr, Yemen. The Master of a product tanker reported being approached by a skiff carrying five armed persons who appeared to be attempting to board the vessel. In response, the vessel conducted evasive manoeuvres and altered course away from the skiff. The vessel and crew are reported safe. Vessel is now proceeding to its next port of call. Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.”