| Reported: 1 July 2026 0715 UTC | Position: 12°46N – 048°03E |
| Location: 76 nm and 85 nm south of Balhaf, Yemen | |
Incident Details.UKMTO and MSCIO released warnings regarding two incidents in the Gulf of Aden. A bulk carrier reported being approached by several small boats whose occupants were armed with weapons. The crew gathered in the Citadel and were reported to be safe. A nearby vessel reported hearing the sound of gunfire on CH16. In a second incident in a similar location, a tanker reported a suspicious approach by a small boat with 4 POB which closed to within 2 nm before leaving the scene.
Fig1. Location of Incidents – 76nm and 85nm South of Balhaf, Yemen.
Comment. Later reporting stated that the St Vincent and Grenadines flagged bulk carrier GOLDEN ARSENAL was boarded by at least 4 pirates who tried to enter the citadel. Damage was caused to the bridge and adjacent compartments during the attack. The Indian Navy attended the scene of the incident and conducted a search of the ship but found no pirates onboard. The crew has exited the citadel and are reported to be safe. The tanker involved in the second incident was identified as JAL KISAN. At least eight piracy -related events have taken place since 1 June 2026 in the central and eastern GOA.
Assessment. These recent events are clear evidence of an active Pirate Action Group operating in the region. This latest incident was the first successful boarding during the recent attacks but compliance with the counter piracy guidance in BMP-MS once again prevented a vessel from being taken by pirates. It is possible that Somali based pirates are responsible for the attacks and are operating in the GOA due to the Southwest Monsoon season affecting small boat operations in the Somali Basin and Indian ocean.
