UKMTO reported a series of attacks, on July 20, 2024, on the cargo ship MV Pumba, 64 nautical miles northwest of Al Mukha, Yemen.
According to initial reports, the MV Pumba experienced two separate attacks. The first assault involved an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) that exploded near the vessel, causing minor damage. Shortly after, an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) also detonated in close proximity, further escalating the situation. Following these incidents, additional UAS sightings were reported by the ship’s master.
UKMTO DAILY SUMMARY
1600UTC 19 JUL 2024 TO 1600UTC 20 JUL 2024https://t.co/lBGHDotJOT#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/awZ8bGriiC— United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) July 20, 2024
Despite these aggressive actions, the ship and its crew remain unharmed. The Company Security Officer confirmed the safety of both the vessel and its crew members.
During the SAFETY4SEA Hamburg Forum 2024, Nikos Georgopoulos, Chief Business Development Officer, Diaplous, gave the tips for transiting vessels to reduce the risk. The tips include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Vessels should transit through the recommended Maritime Security Transit Corridor (MSTC), which consists of the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC), the BABTSS, and the TSS West of the Hanish Islands (two-way route).
- All crew members maintain the highest levels of vigilance with a 24-hour visual and radar watch, particularly when sailing through the Yemen EEZ, at anchor, operating in restricted maneuvering environments, or proceeding at slow speeds.
- All vessels scheduled to cross the area should sail outside Yemeni waters and during nighttime, if possible, and increase their distance from Iranian, particularly Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) assets, and Houthi controlled areas.
- Crews are strongly advised to review and study Article 110, “Right of Visit,” of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which outlines the justifications for a warship’s visit or boarding of a foreign vessel.
- Bridge teams must be aware of how to react in case of any type of maritime harassment.
- Report any suspicious activity in the area to the authorities.
- Incorporate appropriate protective measures into the vessel security plan.
- Monitor relevant VHF and other communication channels.
