Maritime Security Report: 11 - 18 May 2026

Palaemon Maritime
3 days ago
5 min read

This week saw fourteen maritime security incidents, with heightened activity in major maritime corridors globally, including: The Singapore Straits, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Guinea, Gulf of Oman, Somalia, the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and South America.

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Executive Summary

Europe

Russia launched multiple UAV drone attacks targeting key Ukrainian port infrastructure and residential areas. Ukraine also targeted Russia’s oil terminal on the coast of Krasnodar Krai.
Libyan militia vessels attacked and harassed a rescue vessel in an attempt to seize it. They were unsuccessful, and the rescue vessel returned to safe waters.

Gulf of Aden

Multiple suspicious approaches occurred involving pirate action groups along the northern Somali coast

Gulf of Guinea

A multi-purpose offshore vessel was boarded by a robber, who fled upon being seen.

Indian Ocean

IRGC forces reinforced their attacks on shipping again, as they sank a vessel and seized others. Meanwhile, a PAG is mobilizing in the vicinity of Bosano, Somalia.

South America

A supply vessel struck a rock, sustaining severe hull damage, forcing it to intentionally ground near the shoreline to prevent sinking.

Southeast Asia

An violent attempted robbery took place, but nothing was reported stolen.
Two vessels collided in the Mahakam River.

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Key Incidents by Region

Europe

17 May 2026

Russian forces launched a major wave of UAV attack on the Port of Odesa. Ukraine claims to have intercepted many of the drones, however several still hit key port infrastructure, residential areas, and international cargo ships in territorial waters. The barrage resulted in multiple fires which were quickly extinguished. No crew casualties or oil spills were reported following the attack.

15 May 2026

Russian forces conducted a large wave of uav attack on the Port of Izmail. Though some were intercepted most of the drones still hit key port infrastructure, critical facilities, and residential buildings in the district. The barrage resulted in a fire and a widespread power outage that cut electricity to 39 settlements. Emergency services quickly extinguished the blazes, and only minor injuries were reported following the attack.

13 May 2026

Open-sources reported that UAV systems of Ukraine’s sof struck the loading pier of Tamanneftegaz oil terminal on the coast of Krasnodar Krai. A fire was recorded at the facility, however the extent of the damage is still undetermined.

13 May 2026

Russian forces conducted UAV strikes on the Port of Chornomorsk. Key port facilities and adjacent residential areas were hit. The barrage resulted in a fire which was quickly extinguished. No casualties or oil spills were reported at the port following the attack.

11 May 2026

A rescue vessel came under attack from a Libyan militia boat whilst operating 55NM North of Tripoli, Libya. The incident occurred after it had completed the rescue of 90 people in distress. The Libyan militia vessel approached and fired between 10-15 shots at the rescue vessel. The militia conveyed interest to board the vessel and redirect it to Libya. The vessel fled north and transmitted mayday distress calls to Italian and German authorities, whilst being pursued by two Libyan patrol boats. After several hours, the Libyan boats ceased their harassment of the vessel.

Gulf of Aden

15 May 2026

A fishing vessel was stopped by a high speed boat with weapons onboard resembling AK-47 rifles. Operation ATALANTA is investigating, meanwhile vessels are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in these waters.

13 May 2026

Operation ATALANTA received information that a Pirate Action Group (PAG) was preparing to attempt a hijacking of a merchant vessel in the vicinity of Bosaso, Somalia, near position 11°20’N 049°12’E. All vessels are advised to adhere to BMP-MS, especially within 100NM off the northern Somali coast.

South America

15 May 2026

The Brazilian-flagged supply vessel Skandi Amazonas ran aground off Rio de Janeiro after striking a rock. The vessel sustained hull damage and began taking on water, forcing the crew to intentionally ground it near the shoreline to prevent sinking. The incident resulted in no injuries, and 12 crew members were safely evacuated while 17 remained onboard to stabilize the ship. No oil spill or pollution was detected, though containment booms were deployed as a precautionary measure.

Gulf of Guinea

14 May 2026

A multi-purpose offshore vessel was boarded by a robber whilst anchored at Abidjan Inner Anchorage, Ivory Coast. The duty crew spotted one robber on deck and raised the alarm. Upon hearing the alarm, the robber jumped over board and escaped. A robbery assessment is currently in progress.

Indian Ocean

14 May 2026

The Honduras-flagged floating armory vessel, Hui Chuan was taken by unauthorized personnel whilst at anchor 38NM northeast of Fujairah, UAE. The vessel is reportedly bound for iranian ttw. The perpetrators are likely to be IRGC forces. Report any suspicious activity or relevant information to the UKMTO and MSCIO.

13 May 2026

The Indian-flagged livestock carrier, Haji Ali, was attacked whilst underway off Limah, Oman. Reports state that an explosion occurred on the vessel, igniting a fire, and ultimately sinking the vessel. The fourteen crew members onboard were rescued by Omani authorities. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the safety of the crew and strongly condemned the attack.

11 May 2026

The MSCIO reported that there is a Pirate Action Group mobilizing in the vicinity of Bosano, Somalia. All vessels in the area are strongly advised to maintain 150nm distance from the Somali coast between Mogadisu and Hafun. Any suspicious activity or information should be reported to the MSCIO and UKMTO

Southeast Asia

13 May 2026

The container vessel Spil Ratna and general cargo ship Meratus Kolawa collided on Indonesia's Mahakam River. The impact caused extensive hull damage and sent eight containers overboard into the busy inland waterway, creating a navigational hazard. Indonesian port authorities deployed response teams to track and recover the drifting cargo. No injuries or pollution were reported following the incident, and an investigation into the cause is underway.

12 May 2026

The bulk carrier, Broompark, was boarded by a perpetrator with a knife whilst underway 5.3NM off Palau Cula, Indonesia. The robber was sighted in the engine room workshop, and attempted to threaten the watchkeeping staff who ran away and secured himself in the control room. The master was informed and the general alarm was activated. A search was conducted by the robber was not found.

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Threat Outlook

Region	Threat Level	Assessment
Indian Ocean	Very High	Military strikes peaked again between U.S. and Iranian forces. Meanwhile, opportunistic Somali piracy has resurfaced.
Europe	High	Continued drone and UAV warfare targeting infrastructure and vessels poses operational risk. Additionally, Libyan militia forces have turned hostile.
East Africa	High	Consistent attempts at hijackings of vessels in the Gulf of Aden by Somali PAGs.
Gulf of Guinea	Medium	Anchorages and Ports remain high risk of unauthorised boardings and violent theft.

Operational Guidance

Operators should:

Avoid high-risk areas, such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea, where feasible.
Maintain high vigilance in risk areas, monitoring for small craft and suspicious activity.
Strengthen onboard security with access control, regular drills, and use of armed guards where permitted.
Enhance lookout and early warning, especially in chokepoints and at anchorages.
Apply deterrence measures such as alarms, lighting, and visible security presence.
Follow reporting protocols and monitor VHF, UKMTO, and NAVWARNs for updates.
Prepare for rapid response to armed incidents, including fire and emergency procedures.
Restrict access to critical vessel areas and enhance onboard security protocols.
Monitor AIS and radar for anomalies.
Contact U.S. naval forces on channel 16 when approaching the blockade and the Strait of Hormuz.
Treat suspicious VHF communications and approaches as potential threats.
Report incidents immediately to relevant authorities, including:
- UKMTO
- MSCHOA
- IMO / IMB