A maritime security alert has been issued for the Bab el Mandeb Strait after 10 skiffs approached a Panama-flagged oil tanker on Sunday, April 29.
Four skiffs initially approached, followed by a group of two, then four further skiffs. The suspected pirates abandoned the attack after an onboard security team fired flares and displayed weapons, according to GAC Protective Solutions.
The swarming of merchant vessels by large groups of 10 or more skiffs has been previously reported in and around the Bab el Mandeb Strait. The tactic it is yet to be successful. However, crews should remain cautious and be prepared to respond to attack groups consisting of numerous skiffs, GAC warned.
Source: BreakBulk