The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a maritime security incident on Wednesday, 10 June, involving an exchange of fire between an armed skiff and a commercial cargo ship off the coast of Yemen.
According to an official statement issued by UKMTO, the confrontation occurred approximately 88 nautical miles southwest of Balhaf, Yemen, when the targeted cargo vessel was approached by a hostile skiff.
"UKMTO has received a report of an incident 88NM southwest of Balhaf, Yemen," UKMTO stated. "A cargo vessel has reported being approached by one craft with 6 armed persons on board."
The encounter quickly escalated as defensive measures were taken on board the ship.
"There was an exchange of fire between the small craft and the cargo vessel's Armed Security Team, resulting in the small craft turning away," the UKMTO statement detailed.
Following the retreat of the armed vessel, UKMTO confirmed that maritime authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the approach. In response to the encounter, UKMTO has issued an official advisory for the region, warning all transit vessels to navigate the area with heightened caution and to immediately report any further suspicious activity.
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