Maritime Security Report: 1–8 December 2025
- Palaemon Maritime
- Dec 8
- 3 min read
Kidnapping in West Africa, multi-craft attacks in the Bab el-Mandeb, and renewed drone activity in the Black Sea
This week saw armed attacks, kidnappings, and drone activity across the Black Sea, Red Sea/Bab el-Mandeb, and West Africa. The incidents highlight an increasingly volatile environment for commercial shipping, with uncrewed systems, small-boat swarm tactics, and crew abductions continuing to feature prominently.
Executive Summary
According to the report, the period recorded four major incidents:
Crew kidnapping off Equatorial Guinea, with nine seafarers abducted and one injured.
A Russian tanker allegedly struck by USVs off Sinop, Turkey — a claim Ukraine disputes.
A drifting Sea Baby maritime drone destroyed by Romanian forces near Constanţa.
A significant multi-craft attack against a bulk carrier in the Bab el-Mandeb, involving up to fifteen small boats.
These events underscore ongoing instability across multiple maritime corridors, reinforcing the need for strict BMP-compliant operations.
Incident Breakdown
🌍 West Africa — LPG Tanker Boarded, Nine Crew Kidnapped
03 December 2025
A Portugal-flagged LPG tanker was boarded approximately 50nm southwest of Bata, Equatorial Guinea, resulting in nine crew members abducted and one wounded by stray gunfire.
Key points:
Pirates forced entry to the bridge.
Crew were assembled and robbed of personal belongings.
Hostages were transferred to the attackers’ vessel.
Portuguese naval assets are responding.
The tanker is now proceeding toward Libreville with four crew onboard.
This is one of the most serious crew-kidnapping incidents reported in West Africa this quarter.
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🔥 Red Sea / Bab el-Mandeb — Multi-Stage Attack on Bulk Carrier
05 December 2025
A Barbados-flagged bulk carrier transiting the Bab el-Mandeb came under attack twice in just over two hours.
Details include:
First attack at 03:32 UTC — small craft closed to 200 metres and opened fire.
Armed guards returned fire, causing the attackers to break away.
Second attack at 05:45 UTC — another small craft attempted approach with five persons onboard.
A suspected mother vessel was observed 5nm away.
Later updates indicated as many as fifteen small craft involved.
All hostile vessels eventually disengaged; no injuries were reported.
This was a large, coordinated small-craft operation consistent with swarm tactics used in previous years in the region.
🇪🇺 Black Sea — USV Attack on Tanker Near Sinop
02 December 2025
A Russian-flagged tanker was reportedly struck by unmanned surface vessels (USVs) approximately 80nm off Sinop, sustaining minor damage.
No flooding or injuries were reported.
Ukraine publicly denied involvement and questioned the vessel’s routing, suggesting the incident may have been staged.
The incident highlights increasing use of uncrewed maritime systems in contested waters.
🚨 Black Sea — Sea Baby Drone Destroyed Near Constanţa
02 December 2025
A Sea Baby maritime drone was found drifting 36nm east of Constanţa, Romania.
Romanian Navy EOD teams inspected and destroyed the device in a controlled detonation.
No damage or injuries reported.
The presence of drifting uncrewed systems continues to pose navigational hazards to commercial shipping in the region.
Threat Outlook
West Africa — High
Crew kidnapping remains a dominant threat. Attack groups continue operating beyond 40–60nm from shore. Strengthen access control, citadel readiness, and coordination with MDAT-GoG.
Red Sea / Bab el-Mandeb — High
Swarm-style small-boat attacks continue. Armed teams should be prepared for rapid escalation and multi-vector approaches.
Black Sea — High
Uncrewed systems pose increasing navigational and strike risk. Maintain strong bridge awareness and reporting procedures for drifting or suspicious devices.
Recommended Actions for Operators
Maintain elevated watch standards in the Bab el-Mandeb and Gulf of Guinea.
Rehearse citadel procedures and ensure medical kits are ready for trauma response.
For vessels with embarked guards, brief rules for the use of force (RUF) in multi-craft scenarios.
Ensure continuous reporting to UKMTO, MDAT-GoG, ReCAAP, and flag-state authorities.
Maintain distance from unidentified craft; manoeuvre early to deter approach patterns.
Stopping Boardings Before They Start
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