Armed Security Guards Repel Attack on Vessel in the Gulf of Aden

Incident Details. UKMTO and MSCIO both released alerts regarding an attack on an unclassified vessel in the Gulf of Aden. The incident took place approximately 105 nm
northeast of Aden, Yemen. The report stated that the ship was approached to within 4 meters by two skiffs with armed persons onboard. The attackers fired at the ship, and the ship’s security team returned fire, causing the skiffs to abort the attack and leave the scene.

Fig1.Location of Incident – 105 nm northeast of Aden, Yemen.

Comment. This is the second confirmed incident this week involving attacks by heavily armed assailants against vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden and attributed to pirate activity. However, both incidents have occurred in an area of the GOA that is not usually associated with Somali piracy. The identity of the attackers remains unconfirmed at this time.

Assessment. Although yet to be identified, it is clear that an armed group intent on boarding commercial vessels is active in the central GOA. In both attacks, the presence of an Armed Security Team was instrumental in preventing the ship from being boarded and highlights the importance of complying with the counter-piracy guidance given in BMP MS. 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.