Pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden and off the Somali coast are becoming increasingly aggressive, with armed groups now regularly using gunfire in attempts to board commercial vessels.
According to the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO), three separate incidents were reported within days of each other in waters northeast of Aden, Yemen. In all cases, armed attackers approached merchant ships in small skiffs and opened fire. One of the attacks reportedly involved the use of a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG).
The latest incident occurred on June 17, about 105 nautical miles northeast of Aden. Two skiffs carrying armed individuals approached an unidentified vessel and opened fire at close range. The ship’s armed security team returned fire, forcing the attackers to disengage and retreat.
Two similar attacks were reported on June 15. In one case, a tanker sailing around 111 nautical miles southeast of Aden was approached by a skiff carrying four people. The attackers allegedly fired an RPG at the vessel, but the crew implemented defensive measures and prevented a boarding attempt.
Earlier the same day, a container ship operating near the Yemeni coast reported that a small skiff opened fire while attempting to board. Maritime security company Vanguard Tech identified the vessel as the Panama-flagged container ship Greta Star. The vessel reportedly increased speed and successfully evaded the attackers.
Another incident took place on June 14, when two small boats carrying a total of 12 armed individuals approached a cargo vessel near the Horn of Africa. The attackers ordered the ship to stop and opened fire. According to reports, the vessel’s security team exchanged gunfire with the attackers for approximately 30 minutes before the boats withdrew.
The incidents follow another armed approach reported on June 10, when six armed individuals in a small boat targeted a cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden. That attack was also unsuccessful after the vessel’s security personnel returned fire.
European naval mission EUNAVFOR Atalanta has reported a noticeable increase in piracy-related incidents since April. Several vessels, including two loaded tankers, have reportedly been boarded and temporarily detained off the Yemeni coast.
Security authorities continue to urge ship operators to maintain heightened vigilance, implement protective measures, and immediately report any suspicious activity. The attacks are also continuing later into the year than usual, despite the monsoon season, which traditionally reduces pirate activity in the region.
