The incident occurred about 74 nautical miles southwest of Aden at 03:30 UTC on Thursday. Image credit: UKMTO

A suspicious approach of a yacht was reported in the Gulf of Adenaccording to a British government agency responsible for monitoring maritime security in the region.

The incident occurred around 74 nautical miles southwest of Aden has 03:30 UTC on THURSDAYTHE UK maritime trade operations the agency said in a social media post.

“A yacht captain reported that during the crossing of two houses, up to 12 small boats followed their passage,” the agency said.

“Despite the deployment of evasive maneuvers, a small boat approached to within a nautical mile.

“All crew are safe and the ship is heading to its next port of call.”

Commercial vessels operating nearby Yemen have been the target of attacks by the country’s authorities Houthis movement over the past year in response to the conflict in Gaza.

Several major shipping companies avoid the region altogether, taking longer routes. Africa rather than using the Suez Canal. This is expected to provide a significant boost to fuel demand and freight markets as long as the current situation persists.