Maritime Security Report: 29 December 2025 – 5 January 2026
- Palaemon Maritime
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Hijacking off Somalia, airstrikes in the Gulf of Aden, and drone activity across Europe
The final days of 2025 and the opening week of 2026 saw hijacking, kidnappings, drone strikes, and military air operations affecting maritime activity across East Africa, West Africa, Europe, and the Gulf of Aden.
The incidents highlight the continued convergence of piracy, state-level conflict, and infrastructure disruption, with clear implications for commercial shipping transiting high-risk regions
Executive Summary
This reporting period recorded five major maritime security incidents. A Chinese-flagged fishing vessel was hijacked off Somalia, with perpetrators assessed to be pirates transiting toward the coast with ransom intent. In West Africa, an armed attack on a passenger vessel in Nigeria resulted in eight abductees, all later rescued by security forces. In Europe, drone strikes targeted port infrastructure in Russia, while Finnish authorities detained a vessel suspected of damaging a critical undersea telecommunications cable in the Gulf of Finland. Meanwhile, Saudi-led airstrikes on Al Mukalla Port in Yemen underscored the continued risk of military activity near commercial shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden.
Key Incidents by Region
East Africa (Somalia) – Vessel Hijacked
01 January 2026 | 5nm off Kulule
A Chinese-flagged fishing vessel was boarded and hijacked approximately 5 nautical miles off Kulule, Somalia. Subsequent updates from EUNAVFOR confirmed the incident as a piracy-related hijacking, with attackers assessed to be moving the vessel toward the Somali coast for ransom purposes.
This incident reinforces concerns around the re-emergence of Somali pirate activity, particularly against low-speed and lightly protected vessels.
West Africa (Nigeria) – Passenger Kidnapping
30 December 2025 | Ikang Waterways
An armed group attacked a passenger boat transiting from Oron, abducting eight passengers, including two children. Nigerian Army units later rescued all abductees at Ini-Abasi Fishing Port. No fatalities were reported.
While not involving a merchant vessel, the incident highlights the ongoing kidnapping threat environment in Nigerian coastal and riverine areas.
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Europe – Drone Strike & Cable Sabotage Investigation
Drone Strike on Tuapse Port (Russia)
31 December 2025
Open-source reporting indicates a Ukrainian drone strike targeted Tuapse Port, reportedly damaging port infrastructure. The extent of the damage remains unconfirmed, but the incident continues a pattern of attacks on energy-related maritime infrastructure in the Black Sea.Â
Gulf of Finland – Undersea Cable Damage
Finnish authorities intercepted and detained a vessel suspected of damaging an undersea telecommunications cable linking Finland and Estonia. Fourteen crew members were detained pending investigation.
The incident highlights growing concern around critical maritime infrastructure vulnerability in Northern European waters.
Gulf of Aden (Yemen) – Military Airstrikes Near Port
30 December 2025 | Al Mukalla Port
Saudi-led coalition forces conducted airstrikes on Al Mukalla Port, reportedly targeting two vessels suspected of unloading weapons. The strikes underline the continued presence of military operations in close proximity to commercial shipping routes in the Gulf of Aden.Â
Threat Outlook
Somalia / Western Indian Ocean – High
Hijacking confirms continued pirate capability and intent. Low-speed vessels and fishing fleets remain particularly exposed.
Gulf of Aden – High
Ongoing air and surface military activity increases collateral risk to commercial shipping.
West Africa – Moderate to High
Kidnapping remains a persistent threat in coastal and riverine transit areas.
Europe (Black Sea & Baltic) – Elevated
Drone strikes and infrastructure incidents pose increasing navigational and political risk.
Operational Guidance for Operators & CSOs
Maintain BMP-MS compliance in all affected regions
Enhance watchkeeping, particularly for small-craft approaches
Ensure citadel procedures and SSAS readiness
Monitor port-side risk where military or state enforcement activity is ongoing
Report incidents promptly to UKMTO, ReCAAP, MDAT-GoG, and flag authorities
Stopping Boardings Before They Start
Most piracy and robbery incidents escalate once attackers gain physical access to the deck.
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