Iranian forces seized three tankers it accused of fuel smuggling in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden, and in the Caribbean, U.S. forces seized a tanker for breaking sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports. Increased fishing activity is believed to be responsible for suspicious approaches on ships in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, while nine sailors were kidnapped by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea and held for ransom. Several commercial ships received damage during conflict-related incidents in the Black Sea region. Irregular Migration events remain consistently high in the Mediterranean and off the coast of West Africa.
View our FREE Monthly Maritime Security Incident Report below for December 2025.
