Tanker Fires Warning Shots After Suspicious Boat Approaches Near Yemen’s Socotra

A commercial tanker transiting waters north of Yemen’s Socotra island fired warning shots after being approached by a small craft carrying five people, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

UKMTO said it received a report of the incident involving a tanker located about 98 nautical miles north of Socotra, an island near major shipping routes linking the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

The agency said the vessel’s Company Security Officer confirmed that a small craft approached the tanker before the ship’s armed security team fired warning shots, forcing the boat to alter course and move away.

The identity of the small vessel and the individuals onboard was not immediately known. No injuries or damage were reported.

Authorities are investigating the incident. UKMTO advised vessels transiting the area to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity.

Socotra lies near one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors for energy shipments and container trade, with vessels moving between the Suez Canal, Bab al-Mandeb Strait and major Gulf oil export terminals regularly passing through surrounding waters.

Reference: UKMTO