UKMTO reports suspicious uncrewed vessel near Al Mukha Yemeni port
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According to the agency, the ship’s Master spotted an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) with a blue and white hull "behaving erratically" at a distance of 0.5 nautical miles.
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Map shows the location of the incident. (@UK_MTO)
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Friday that it had received information about a suspicious approach to a vessel near the Yemeni port city of Al Mukha.
"UKMTO has received a report of an incident 45NM [nautical miles] south of Al Mukha, Yemen. Authorities are investigating," the agency said in a report.
"The Master reports sighting an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) with blue and white hull at 0.5NM in position 1233N 04328E, USV described as behaving erratically before departing vessel," it further said.
UKMTO WARNING INCIDENT 123-SUSPICIOUS APPROACH-UPDATE 001
— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) September 20, 2024
20240920-incident-123-warning---suspicious-approach-update-001.pdf (https://t.co/85Pyl69juk)#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/Cck0UOzpcC
This marks the first security incident reported by the agency since the start of September.
In August, the agency reported four different incidents. One notable incident occurred on August 21, when a Greek oil tanker, the Sounion, was attacked by a small craft 77 nautical miles west of Hodeidah, Yemen.
No casualties were reported, but the vessel came under small arms fire before the attackers retreated.
Additionally, on August 26, there was a report of a suspicious approach involving an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) near the Yemeni port of Al Mukha
The Yemenis have openly declared their support for Palestine’s struggle against Israeli occupation since the occupation launched a devastating war on Gaza, vowing to continue their operations until the Israeli ground and aerial attacks on Gaza end.
Read more: US offered to recognize Ansar Allah authority if support ops stop
