Vessel Targeted by Armed Small Craft Off Yemen Coast

ADEN, July 1: A suspicious armed small craft that approached a vessel off the coast of Yemen has left the area but remains active nearby, posing a potential risk to other ships, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said Wednesday.

UKMTO said the vessel’s security officer reported minor damage to the bridge following the encounter south of Balhaf, Yemen.

The agency said the small craft was carrying four people and was armed with a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG).

Earlier, UKMTO reported that a vessel had been approached by multiple small boats carrying armed individuals with small arms in the same area.

The crew took shelter in the vessel’s designated safe area, known as a citadel, and were reported safe, according to the agency.

UKMTO also said the master of another vessel in the vicinity reported hearing small-arms fire over VHF Channel 16, although the report could not immediately be confirmed.

The maritime security agency said it was continuing to investigate the incident and advised vessels operating in the area to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity.