Attack - 40NM southwest of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

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Incident Details

Incident Date & Time:

31 August 2025, 1911hrs

Location:

40NM southwest of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

Latitude/Longitude: 

23° 41' 14.00" N, 37° 43' 26.00" E

Vessel Name, Type, Flag and Status:

Unknown

Incident Type:

Attack

Crew status

No injuries reported

Incident Details

On 31 August 2025 at 1730 UTC, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report from a vessel's Master regarding an incident 40NM southwest of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. The Master witnessed a splash in close proximity to their vessel from an unknown projectile and heard a loud bang. All crew members are safe, and the vessel continues on its voyage. Authorities are investigating the incident. UKMTO advises vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.

Response Actions

- Security Incident Reported
- UKMTO
- Other Authorities

Stolen items

- N/A

Key findings

This incident bears hallmarks of a potential missile or rocket attack targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The combination of a visible splash and loud bang suggests a projectile with significant size and explosive capability. The attack's proximity to Yanbu, a major oil export hub, raises concerns about threats to energy infrastructure and maritime trade in the region. The fact that only one projectile was reported might indicate either a warning shot, a failed attack, or limited offensive capabilities of the attacker. The vessel's ability to continue its voyage suggests the attack was ineffective or possibly intended as a demonstration rather than to cause damage.

Recommendations

- Maintain heightened vigilance when transiting the Red Sea, especially near Saudi ports.

- Implement evasive manoeuvres and maximise speed if suspicious activity is detected.

- Ensure AIS is active and maintain open communication with UKMTO and coalition forces.

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Disclaimer
You have received this report as part of your organisation’s subscription. Castor Vali assessment and advice is given based on the information received and processed by us and the surrounding circumstances known to us to exist at the time. Subsequent changes to relevant information or the surrounding circumstances may affect the reliability of our assessment and advice, but we do not accept responsibility for that effect. We do not accept responsibility for the outcome of any action taken or not taken as a result of our assessment and advice unless the possibility of that action being taken or not taken is set out in specific terms in our instructions.

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