On July 1, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that pirates attacked two separate commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden.
According to sea-news.az citing Seanews.az, four armed pirates in a small skiff initially boarded one of the tankers. However, the pirates abandoned the ship after the crew retreated to the vessel’s citadel (a secure safe room).
The attack took place approximately 76 nautical miles south of Balhaf, Yemen. According to the crew, the pirates were armed with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).
Following the pirates’ departure, the crew inspected the ship and discovered that the boarding ladders used during the attack were still attached to the vessel’s hull. Additionally, damage was found on the bridge and adjacent compartments.
UKMTO stated that later that same day, the same group of pirates attempted to board another vessel, the type of which was not disclosed. This time, the crew managed to prevent the attack by performing evasive maneuvers.
After these maneuvers, the pirates’ boat abandoned the pursuit of the second vessel and departed the area. Their identities and current whereabouts remain unknown.
