UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported two security incidents in waters south of Balhaf, Yemen on July 1 local time. In the first, four armed individuals in a skiff approached and illegally boarded a merchant vessel, damaging the wheelhouse and accommodation; crew sheltered in the citadel and are reported safe. The skiff later left but remained in the area. In the second incident a skiff approached a tanker about 85 nm south of Balhaf before departing south; crew and vessel continued on t

UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported two security incidents in waters south of Balhaf, Yemen on July 1 local time. In the first, four armed individuals in a skiff approached and illegally boarded a merchant vessel, damaging the wheelhouse and accommodation; crew sheltered in the citadel and are reported safe. The skiff later left but remained in the area. In the second incident a skiff approached a tanker about 85 nm south of Balhaf before departing south; crew and vessel continued on their voyage. UKMTO said authorities are investigating and urged transiting vessels to increase vigilance and report suspicious activity.