UK maritime agency reports attempted approach by armed men near Yemen coast

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a commercial tanker reported an encounter with a small boat carrying armed men off the coast of Yemen on Sunday.

In a statement, UKMTO said it received a report of an incident approximately 50 nautical miles southeast of Al-Shihr in eastern Yemen.

According to the agency, the captain of a product tanker reported that a small craft carrying five armed individuals approached the vessel and appeared to be attempting to board it.

The tanker responded by altering its course and carrying out evasive manoeuvres, moving away from the approaching boat.

No injuries or damage were reported.

The agency did not identify the tanker or provide further details about the identity of the armed men.

The incident comes amid continuing security concerns in regional waters, where commercial shipping has faced a range of threats in recent years.

UKMTO regularly advises vessels operating in the area to maintain heightened vigilance and report any suspicious activity to maritime security authorities.