Tuesday March 12, 2024
A cargo ship escorted by Houthi boats in the Red Sea in this photo released on November 20, 2023. PHOTO | REUTERS
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Tuesday that it had received a report of a boarding incident 600 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia.
"Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO," UKMTO said in a statement without providing further details.
British maritime security firm Ambrey said separately that a Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier was reportedly boarded east of Somalia.
"Merchant vessels are advised to stay well clear of this position as this is assessed to be an ongoing incident with perpetrators attempting to take control of the bulker," Ambrey said in a statement.
If the incident is confirmed as a pirate attack, it could fuel concerns about a resurgence of Somali piracy in the Indian Ocean.