Merchant Vessel Reports Explosion Off Yemeni Coast

June 24, 2024 (GMT+03:00) - The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) is investigating an incident involving a merchant vessel reported 246 nautical miles southeast of Nishtun, Yemen.

According to an initial UKMTO warning issued at 05:15 UTC (08:15 AM local time), authorities received a report of an incident at the location on June 24th at 04:44 UTC (07:44 AM local time). The nature of the incident was not specified at that time.

A subsequent update released at 06:10 UTC (09:10 AM local time) provided further details. The master of the merchant vessel reported an explosion in close proximity to the ship. Fortunately, the crew is reported safe, and the vessel is continuing its journey to its next port of call.

UKMTO has advised all vessels in the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity. The cause of the explosion and the identity of the merchant vessel remain under investigation.

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