The key facts

  • A boat with seven people opened fire on an LNG tanker 140 miles from Mukalla
  • The tanker's security responded with warning shots, and the boat changed course
  • UKMTO urged vessels to exercise caution; details are being clarified

Incident off the coast of Yemen

The UK-based UKMTO maritime trade centre reported that the captain of an LNG tanker reported the approach of a small boat (skiff) with seven people on board. The incident occurred 140 nautical miles southeast of the Yemeni city of Mukalla.

Exchange of fire

According to UKMTO, the skiff fired two shots at the tanker. The vessel's armed security team responded with two warning shots, after which the small vessel changed course.

Recommendations and investigation

UKMTO urged passing vessels to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity while the authorities conduct an investigation. Further details of the incident have not yet been reported.