An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) struck a British-flagged vessel about 60 nautical miles (111 km) off Yemen’s Aden port, igniting a blaze aboard. This incident was reported by the Merchant Marine Transport Coordination Center (UKMTO) under the auspices of the British Navy. The strike targeted the vessel on its left side, according to the published account. Following the incident, the fire was brought under control and extinguished, as stated by UKMTO. The coordinating center pledged a formal inquiry into what happened and urged merchant ships operating in the area to exercise heightened vigilance as they navigate the waters near Yemen.
Over the same period, the Royal Navy relayed information about a fresh assault on a vessel off Yemen’s coast. Subsequently, Ambrey, a British risk intelligence firm, corroborated that a missile impacted the bulk carrier Zogarafia, which is registered under the Maltese flag, near Yemen. The vessel sustained minor damage but remained buoyant and capable of continuing its voyage. The broader maritime incident landscape around Yemen has been characterized by a series of rapid, low-profile attacks, prompting international maritime authorities to issue alerts and guidance for crews traversing this corridor.
Earlier reports described a missile strike on an American-owned vessel off Yemen’s coast, adding to a pattern of aerial and missile activity in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden lanes. Analysts note that these actions, while varying in scale, contribute to ongoing security challenges for commercial shipping in a region that remains critical to global trade. Operators in the area are advised to adhere to established naval procedures, maintain continuous watchkeeping, and follow updated security briefings issued by international authorities. The incident underscores the importance of coordinated reporting channels, timely risk assessments, and contingency planning for crews and flag states engaged in maritime commerce in this high-risk sector.