Attack - Bab el Mandeb Strait, 15NM off Yemen

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Incident Details

Incident Date & Time:

05 December 2025, 06:56 UTC

Location:

Bab el Mandeb Strait, 15NM off Yemen

Latitude/Longitude: 

12° 38' 48.19" N, 43° 16' 44.64" E

Vessel Name, Type, Flag and Status:

Steaming

Incident Type:

Attack

Crew status

No injuries reported

Incident Details

Description

Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa (MSCIO) received information regarding a Merchant Vessel being attacked by skiffs while transiting Bab el Mandeb Strait, 15NM off the coast of Yemen.  A vessel reported sighting approximately 15 small craft - some of the small craft closed to within a range of 1-2 cables, and there was an exchange of fire. The Master has confirmed that the small crafts have left the scene, that no casualties have been reported, and that the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call. The incident is under investigation. Ships required to transit Bab El Mandeb are advised to exercise extreme caution, maintain full vigilance, implement Best Management Practices - Mediterranean Sea (BMP-MS) and report any suspicious activity immediately to MSCIO and UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

Key findings

The use of multiple skiffs in the Bab el Mandeb Strait represents a coordinated attack pattern typical of Houthi maritime operations in this critical chokepoint. The 15NM distance from the Yemeni coast indicates the attackers operated well within territorial waters, suggesting either shore-based coordination or the use of larger support vessels to extend operational range. The immediate advisory for vessels to implement BMP-MS protocols indicates this attack follows established threat patterns in the region, with authorities treating it as part of an ongoing campaign rather than an isolated incident.

Recommendations

-  Implement full BMP-MS protocols, including increased speed, evasive manoeuvres, and enhanced lookout procedures when transiting Bab el Mandeb.
- Maintain continuous communication with MSCIO and UKMTO while in the area and report any suspicious small craft activity immediately.
- Consider coordinated transit with other merchant vessels or request naval escort if available.

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