Maritime Incident - 102NM SSE of Mukalla, Yemen

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Incident Details

Incident Date & Time:

21 October 2025, 0300hrs UTC

Location:

102NM SSE of Mukalla, Yemen

Latitude/Longitude: 

14° 21' 50.00" N, 49° 18' 46.00" E

Vessel Name, Type, Flag and Status:

Merchant Vessel,  Underway

Incident Type:

Maritime incident

Crew status

No injuries reported

Incident Details

Description

A Merchant Vessel, while sailing westbound within the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC), 102NM SSE of Mukalla, Yemen, reported sighting a swarm of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at approximately 4-5NM off the vessel's bow/starboard side. The UAVs were observed loitering in a synchronised pattern from south to north, with their navigation and position lights on. The UAVs were clearly visible through binoculars. No hostile activity was reported, and the vessel continued its voyage to the next port of call.

Key findings

This incident represents a significant development in the use of UAV swarms in maritime environments, particularly in a high-risk area like the Gulf of Aden. The synchronised movement and visible navigation lights of the UAVs suggest a level of sophistication and intentional operation, rather than individual consumer drones. The fact that the UAVs maintained a distance and did not engage in hostile activity could indicate reconnaissance or surveillance operations, possibly by state actors or well-funded non-state groups. The incident highlights the evolving nature of threats in maritime security, where traditional piracy concerns are now complemented by advanced technological risks. The use of UAV swarms presents challenges for vessel detection and response capabilities, as these can potentially be used for intelligence gathering or as a precursor to more direct hostile actions.

Recommendations

- Enhance lookout procedures with specific attention to aerial threats, including the use of binoculars for early detection.

- Implement or update ship security plans to include protocols for UAV encounters, including documentation and reporting procedures.

- Consider investing in UAV detection and countermeasure systems for vessels operating in high-risk areas.

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