Alert

Suspicious Activity

April 23, 2026, 1:42 p.m.

ALERT 37/26 MSCIO has received a report of an incident involving a merchant vessel at position 0623N 04949E. A small white fishing boat rapidly approached the vessel. At approximately 600 metres, warning shots were fired and the persons onboard the approaching boat returned fire. The craft then broke off, joined another fishing vessel and both moved away. All crew are safe and accounted for. Operation ATALANTA is investigating. Vessels operating in the area are strongly advised to maintain heightened vigilance, adhere to BMP-MS, particularly within 150NM off the Somali coast between Mogadishu and Hafun where feasible, and report any suspicious activity to MSCIO and UKMTO.