Maritime Incident involving a bulk carrier, Bab El Mandeb
Issued: 9 months ago
| Date | Reference | Region | Category | Aggressors | Source |
| 2025-12-05 03:32:00 | CW Alert 002- (Dec 25) | Indian Ocean | Maritime incident | TBC | UKMTO/CLOSED SOURCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The UKMTO have received a report from the Master of a vessel that it has been attacked whilst underway in the Bab El Mandeb. One small craft came to within approximately 200 metres and opened fire. Clearwater have received information that the vessel involved is a Barbados-flagged bulk carrier and the incident occurred approximately 13nm Southwest of Dhubab, Yemen. Initial reports indicate that the armed security team onboard returned fire towards the small craft which resulted in the attack being aborted. Further reports have also been received that as of 05:45 UTC the vessel has reported another attack by a small craft with five persons onboard and a potential mother vessel has been sighted 5nm away. UPDATE 1: The UKMTO have received a further report from the Master stating that there were approximately fifteen small craft, some which came to within a range of 200 metre and there was an exchange of fire. The Master confirms the small crafts have left the area, the crew are reported safe with no injuries and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call. UPDATE 2: It has been reported that after further assessment from several authorities, the incident will no longer be categorised as an attack, as sources have reported that the incident was likely a tense interaction from local fishermen towards the dhow, with no further evidence linking to piracy. Therefore, Clearwater Dynamics are recategorising this incident to a Maritime Incident. | |||||