Pirates Approach Tanker in Bab El Mandeb

The U.S. Navy Maritime Liaison Office in Bahrain (MARLO) has advised that on or about 12:30 UTC on 14 April, the Master of an oil tanker reported being approached by a white-blue skiff in position 12.25.00 North - 043.43.00 East, in the Bab El Mandeb (BAM).

Seven pirates were reportedly on the skiff armed with an RPG moved toward the oil tanker.

Procedures IAW BMP4 were conducted including sounding the alarm and activating fire hoses. The armed security team (AST) noticed a ladder on the skiff and it moved away when the AST showed their weapons. Source IMB.

According to GAC, it is recommended vessels within the vicinity of this alert operate with a heightened level of security and report any suspicious activity to MSCHOA, UKMTO or MARLO.