UKMTO Reclassifies Red Sea Incident as Illegal Boarding After Armed Men Board Merchant Vessel

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reclassified a security incident in the Red Sea as an Illegal Boarding, following further information from the vessel’s master.

The incident occurred approximately 76 nautical miles south of Balhaf, Yemen, according to UKMTO Warning 077-26, issued on 1 July 2026.

Red Sea illegal boarding

UKMTO’s initial update reported that a suspicious small craft had departed from the vessel but remained active in the area, potentially posing a risk to other ships. The Company Security Officer (CSO) reported that the vessel had sustained minor damage to the bridge and that the suspicious craft carried four persons on board (POB) armed with an RPG.

In Update 002, UKMTO confirmed the incident had been reclassified as an Illegal Boarding. The vessel’s master reported that the unauthorised personnel caused damage to the bridge and several adjacent compartments before leaving the vessel.

The crew remain secure in the vessel’s citadel and have been reported safe.

While UKMTO has not attributed the incident to any specific group, the attack comes amid a renewed period of piracy activity off the Horn of Africa. Over the past two years, several merchant vessels have been attacked or hijacked in incidents widely linked to the resurgence of Somali piracy, although the identity of those responsible for this latest boarding remains unconfirmed.

The use of a small craft carrying four armed personnel, combined with the location of the incident, reflects tactics that have been seen in previous piracy attacks in the region.

However, until further information is released by UKMTO or the relevant authorities, it would be premature to definitively attribute the incident.

UKMTO said it is continuing to investigate and has advised vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.

Source: UKMTO