Aden – The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an attempted boarding incident involving four unidentified individuals off the coast of Somalia, east of the capital Mogadishu. 

The alert was issued on Monday following a security report from the vessel’s master.

According to UKMTO, the ship was approached by a small craft originating from a suspected mothership approximately five nautical miles away. The four individuals attempted to climb aboard the vessel but retreated after the crew issued warnings and fired deterrent shots. The small craft then returned to the mothership, which was described as having a grey and white hull.

"The master reports that four unauthorised persons attempted to board his vessel. The small craft returned to the mother vessel after it was challenged by the crew," UKMTO said in its advisory.

All crew members were reported safe, and the vessel continued its transit to the next scheduled port. Authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred in a region historically known for piracy and maritime security threats.

Security analysts note that while piracy off the Somali coast has declined in recent years due to international naval patrols and improved shipboard defenses, sporadic incidents continue to pose risks to commercial shipping. UKMTO has urged vessels operating in the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.

The incident underscores the persistent challenges facing maritime operators in the western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden, especially amid broader regional instability.