Dear

Please find below our most recent Flash Report. If you have any queries about our reports please contact us at africaops@castorvali.com

A Portugal-flagged Passenger Vessel experienced suspicious activity while underway approximately 35NM east of the Hanish Islands, Yemen.

Two small craft were observed turning on their lights within 0.5NM of the vessel. At 20:30 UTC, in position 13°38.30N 042°25.09E, the vessel's crew heard and spotted an aircraft hovering nearby. Due to darkness, it was unclear whether the aircraft was a helicopter or a drone. The crew has been confirmed safe.

Despite the recent decrease in attacks on commercial vessels in the area, reports of suspicious approaches and sightings such as these continue. In addition, recent reports of Houthi attacks extending as far as the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean possibly demonstrate an increased capability.

All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and to report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.

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