Alert

Suspicious Activity

Oct. 30, 2026, 9:10 a.m.

ALERT 160/26 MSCIO has received information regarding a suspicious activity incident at approximately 02:25 UTC on 30 October 2026, near position 11°57.4'N 045°04.5'E, in the Gulf of Aden. A merchant vessel reported being approached by two suspicious craft, including a greenish fast skiff carrying four persons and reportedly equipped with a mounted machine gun. The skiff approached to within approximately 300 metres astern before aborting its approach after the vessel's armed security team displayed their weapons. No shots were fired, no boarding attempt was reported, and the vessel continued its voyage. Operation ATALANTA is investigating the reported activity. Vessels operating in the area are advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, and report immediately any suspicious activity or relevant information to MSCIO.