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Tanker reports security incident near Yemen's Socotra Island

Middleeasteye • May 23, 2026

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said a tanker carrying petroleum products reported a security incident 200 nautical miles west of Yemen’s Socotra Island after a small craft carrying five people approached the vessel.

According to the UKMTO, the craft came within 100 metres of the tanker before changing course after the vessel deployed its armed security team.

The agency noted that a similar incident was reported north of Socotra on Friday, amid heightened maritime security concerns in regional waters.

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Security Incident Involving Tanker Near Yemen's Socotra Island On May 22, 2026, a tanker reported a security incident 200 nautical miles west of Yemen's Socotra Island. A small craft with five individuals approached the vessel, coming within 100 meters before the tanker deployed its armed security team. The craft changed course after the tanker fired warning shots. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the incident, highlighting heightened maritime security concerns in the region. A similar incident was reported just north of Socotra on the same day. No further details about the attackers or their intentions have been disclosed. The situation reflects ongoing threats to maritime operations in this strategic area. 3 sources 53

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Yemen