Boat Approaches Tanker Near Yemen, Retreats After Armed Team Deployed, Says UKMTO

ISTANBUL, May 23 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- A product tanker sailing within 200 nautical miles west of the Yemeni Island of Socotra was approached by a small craft carrying five people but turned away after the vessel’s armed security team was deployed, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported, citing the UK maritime agency on Saturday.

“The master of a product tanker has reported that the vessel was approached by a small craft with 5 persons onboard, the closest point of approach being 100 m.

“The vessel’s armed security team was deployed, and the small craft altered course away from the reporting vessel,” the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre said on X.

No further details were immediately available.

The development came after the UKMTO said Friday that it received a report of another incident involving a tanker located 98 nautical miles north of Socotra.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU