Sea warnings

 US Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces have destroyed an Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial system (UAS) over the Red Sea on May 26th. The UAS was launched from a controlled area of Yemen and posed an imminent threat to merchant vessels in the region. The action was taken to protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safety and security of US, coalition, and merchant vessels in international waters. The destruction of the Houthi-launched drone is part of ongoing efforts by USCENTCOM to monitor and address threats in the region.

On April 29, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:20 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) and three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Yemen into the Red Sea, targeting the Malta-flagged, Greece-owned vessel MV Cyclades. Initial reports indicate that there were no injuries, and the ship was able to continue on its journey. Earlier in the day, at 7:49 a.m., U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully intercepted and destroyed one Houthi-launched airborne UAV that was on a flight path towards the USS Philippine Sea and USS Laboon in the Red Sea. There were no reports of injuries or damages to U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. The U.S. military determined that the UAV posed an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant ships in the region.

 The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an incident involving a vessel that was the target of two attacks in close proximity to Al Mukha, Yemen. The first attack resulted in an explosion near the vessel, which was felt by the crew on board. The second attack is believed to have involved two missiles that caused damage to the vessel. The Master of the vessel reported the incident, and authorities are currently investigating the details of the attacks. Vessels are advised to exercise caution when transiting through the area and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO. This latest incident highlights the ongoing risks and threats faced by vessels operating in the region. It is essential that all mariners remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security.

 On April 3, 2021, between 3:49 and 10:00 am (local time in Sanaa) , the USS Gravely (DDG 107) and forces from the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) successfully intercepted and destroyed one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) and two unmanned aerial systems (UAS) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from Yemen. The targeted missiles were headed towards the USS Gravely in the Red Sea. There were no reports of injuries or damage to U.S., coalition, or commercial ships as a result of the attacks. Furthermore, during this timeframe, CENTCOM forces destroyed a mobile surface-to-air missile system located in Houthi-controlled territory. The destruction of these systems was deemed necessary as they posed a threat to U.S. and coalition forces and merchant vessels operating in the region. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the efforts being made by CENTCOM to protect American interests and maintain stability in the area.

  March 22, 2024 - Mariners operating in the Gulf of Aden are advised to exercise extreme caution following a reported pirate attack and ongoing activity by Iranian-backed Houthi forces in the region. Pirate Attack: A navigational warning (NAVAREA) issued by Inmarsat on March 22nd details an attack on a merchant vessel (M/V) in the Gulf of Aden near the position of 14-28.72N 053-29.00E. The attack reportedly occurred on March 21st at 08:00 UTC. Specific details about the vessel, the attackers, and the outcome of the incident are currently unavailable. Houthi Activity: In a separate development, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on Twitter that coalition forces successfully intercepted and destroyed an unmanned surface vessel (USV) and two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) launched by Houthi rebels on March 21st. The Houthi forces are based in Yemen, which borders the Red Sea near the southern entrance to the Gulf of Aden. Combined Threat: These events highlight the height...

  March 15, 2024 - The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued an update on an incident in the Indian Ocean, west of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. Earlier on March 15, UKMTO reported receiving information regarding an incident in the area. Authorities were investigating the nature of the incident. In an update released today, UKMTO reported that the master of a merchant vessel reported an explosion some distance away from the ship. There were no injuries to the crew and the vessel sustained no damage. The merchant vessel is continuing on its voyage to its next port of call. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. Important Details: Location: 65 nautical miles west of Al Hudaydah, Yemen Date: March 15, 2024 Reported By: Master of a merchant vessel Incident: Explosion (some distance away from the vessel) Injuries: None Damage to Vessel: None Recommendations: UKMTO advises all vessels in the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious ac...

  Source: UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Location: 50 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen (approximately 12.0509° N, 45.3104° E) Details: The UKMTO has issued an advisory regarding an incident involving a merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea. According to the report submitted by the ship's Master, an explosion occurred at a distance astern (behind) the vessel at approximately 04:18 UTC on March 14, 2024. Important Updates: Thankfully, the vessel sustained no damage from the explosion. The crew is reported to be safe. The ship is currently proceeding to its next scheduled port of call. Investigation and Ongoing Concerns: Local authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion. UKMTO advises all vessels transiting the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity immediately. Background: This incident comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, with several reported attacks on commercial vessels near Yemeni waters in recent months. The specific caus...

London, UK - On February 22nd, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an attack on a vessel approximately 70 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen. Initial reports: UKMTO first reported an unspecified "incident" in the area (Incident 037). Authorities investigated, and an update confirmed a vessel attack with two missiles, causing a fire onboard. Coalition forces responded to the incident. Latest developments: British maritime security firm Ambrey identified the attacked vessel as a Palau-flagged, UK-owned general cargo ship traveling from Thailand towards the Red Sea. A subsequent UKMTO update (002) clarified that the vessel sustained  minor damage  and is  proceeding safely  to its next port of call. The crew is also reported to be safe. Unknowns: Identity of the attackers remains unclear. Motive behind the attack is still under investigation. Key takeaways: While the attack resulted in minor damage, it highlights the o...

Washington, D.C./Sanaa - On February 21st, U. S. forces conducted four airstrikes in Yemen, targeting mobile Houthi missiles and a drone deemed an imminent threat to maritime traffic and American warships in the Red Sea. This comes amid reports of additional airstrikes in Hodeidah and Ras Isa, with the Houthi-affiliated Almasirah claiming an "Anglo-American aggression. " U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the self-defense strikes, stating they destroyed seven mobile Houthi Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles, one mobile Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile launcher, and shot down a one-way attack drone. All targets were identified as originating from Houthi-controlled areas and posing an imminent threat. Meanwhile, Houthi media outlet Almasirah reported airstrikes in the Ras Isa area, claiming they targeted the port and were conducted jointly by the U.S. and UK. Al-Jazeera satellite television also reported strikes in Ras Isa, though the target remained unclear. This incident adds t...