An RPG attack in the Gulf of Aden – the third suspected piracy incident in 24 hours

Incident Details. UKMTO has released an alert regarding an attack on a tanker transiting the Gulf of Aden. The ship reported an approach by a skiff with four armed persons on board. The crew of the skiff reportedly opened fire on the vessel using an RPG. The vessel implemented undisclosed defensive measures, and the attack was unsuccessful. No reports of any casualties were provided.

Fig1. Location of Suspected Piracy Incidents – 14-15 June 2026

Comment. This is the third incident linked to potential pirate activity in the last 24 hours. In a second incident on 15 June, approximately 14nm off the coast of Yemen, a container vessel reported being approached by a small skiff. The crew of the skiff opened fire on the vessel and attempted to board. In a further incident reported on 14 June, 25nm off the Puntland coast, Somalia, two boats carrying six persons onboard each approached a general cargo vessel while continuously firing weapons and ordering the vessel to stop. The vessel’s armed security team returned fire for approximately 30 minutes, after which both boats turned away and departed the area. The crew, armed guards, vessel and cargo were reported safe.

Assessment. These incidents reiterate the enduring threat faced by commercial shipping from piracy in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. In at least two of these incidents, it appears BMP-MS measures were implemented, resulting in a successful outcome for the ships involved. The US JMIC assesses the level of risk from piracy in the Somali Basin and Gulf of Aden as Moderate. PAG activity remains possible, particularly in coastal approaches and known small-boat operating areas.