INCIDENT ALERT – Vessel Approached by two Armed Skiffs outside Port Saleef, Yemen |
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Date: 27 June 2023 0621 UTC |
Position: Lat 14 46 08N Long 04 23 48E |
Location: 30NM Southwest of Hodeida, Yemen |
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Incident Details:
UKMTO has released Warning 001/JUN/2023, stating that a vessel was approached by two small crafts, which were sighted with weapons on board, in position Lat 14 46 08N Long 04 23 48E, 21NM from the Port of Saleef in Yemen. No shots were fired. The vessel increased speed and outmaneuvered the approaching small crafts.
Comment. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Yemeni waters contested by both sides in the Yemen Conflict. Both Houthi and Government Coastguard units operate in the area.
Assessment. It is likely that the vessel was being investigated by the two skiffs to assess its purpose for being in the contested waters, and to determine if it was operated by members of the opposing faction. We do not assess this to be a piracy-related event.
