UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has received a report of an incident 83NM southeast of Aden, Yemen. The Master of the Singapore-flagged Container Ship LOBIVIA (IMO: 9228564) reported that the ship was hit by unknown projectiles. The vessel was initially reported to be struck by two Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) on the Port side.
UKMTO later confirmed that the vessel was hit by two missiles within an hour, with the first missile striking midship and the second hitting near the aft end, close to the accommodation block.
The LOBIVIA's vessel manager stated she sustained damage but remains seaworthy, the resulting fire onboard was extinguished by the crew, and LOBIVIA is moving under her own propulsion [under military assistance] and has arrived at Berbera Port, Somalia to assess the damage and repairs needed. All crew are accounted for and are safe, and authorities are investigating the incident.
All vessels in the area are advised to proceed with caution and to report any suspicious activities to the UKMTO.
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