A significant maritime security incident occurred off the coast of Yemen on Friday, December 5, 2025, according to an official advisory from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The agency reported that a commercial vessel, positioned approximately 15 nautical miles west of Yemen, engaged in an exchange of fire with approximately 15 small craft that had approached within 1-2 cables (approximately 200-400 meters) of the ship.
The vessel’s crew reported that the small crafts subsequently departed the area following the confrontation. Despite the withdrawal of the approaching vessels, the commercial ship remains on high alert status as it continues its voyage. The ship’s master confirmed that all crew members are safe and that the vessel is proceeding to its designated next port of call.
This incident represents the latest in a series of maritime security challenges in the strategic waters near Yemen, where commercial shipping has faced increased risks in recent years. The UKMTO, which monitors maritime security in key global shipping lanes, issued an official warning (20251205-UKMTO_WARNING_043_25 – UPDATE 001) through its operations center, alerting other vessels in the region to exercise heightened vigilance.
The precise nature of the small craft and their intentions remains unclear, though the incident highlights the ongoing security concerns for international maritime traffic transiting through this critical region near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a vital chokepoint for global trade and energy shipments.