A maritime security incident involving an armed small craft and a commercial cargo vessel has been reported in the waters southwest of Yemen.
The incident occurred approximately 88 nautical miles southwest of Balhaf, a coastal location on Yemen’s southern shoreline, at around 0430 UTC on 10 June 2026. According to the report, a cargo vessel transiting the area was approached by a single small craft carrying six-armed individuals.
As the craft closed on the vessel, an exchange of gunfire reportedly took place between the armed personnel aboard the small craft and the cargo vessel’s embarked Armed Security Team (AST).
The vessel’s security team responded to the perceived threat, resulting in the small craft disengaging from the encounter and turning away from the vessel. No injuries, casualties, or damage to the vessel have been reported at this stage.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation by relevant authorities. The identity, intentions, and affiliation of the armed individuals involved have not yet been determined.
The report of a similar incident 98 nautical miles north of Yemen’s Socotra on 22 May. The Company Security Officer (CSO) of a tanker had confirmed that the vessel had been approached by a small craft carrying five persons on board.
The vessel’s security team responded to the perceived threat, resulting in the small craft disengaging from the encounter and turning away from the vessel. No injuries, casualties, or damage to the vessel have been reported at this stage.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation by relevant authorities. The identity, intentions, and affiliation of the armed individuals involved have not yet been determined.
A report of a similar incident 98 nautical miles north of Yemen’s Socotra on 22 May. The Company Security Officer (CSO) of a tanker had confirmed that the vessel had been approached by a small craft carrying five persons on board.