RPG event in Yemen on Wed 31st May 2017

Reporting and analysis on the attacks on MT Muskie

On 31st May it was reported that three pirates in a skiff armed with guns and RPG’s chased and fired upon the laden Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker Muskie, while underway at 0715 UTC in position 12°33’47N 043°29’24E, around 5nm SE of Perim Island, Bab al Mandeb Strait, Red Sea. The alarm was raised and non-essential crew mustered in the citadel. Three RPGs were fired at the vessel. MT Muskie sustained damage to the bridge. The embarked armed security team fired warning shots resulting in the skiff moving away. Two warships proceeded to the area to assist the vessel. All on-board were reported safe.
UKMTO commented saying that the incident was under on-going investigation, and could not confirm any information other than there was an attack and the vessel was now safe. However, UKMTO have advised vessels operating within the immediate area to exercise extreme caution. MAST echo’s this advice.
MAST’s assessment is that based on the position, it is possible that this was an attempt by AQ in Yemen to conduct a terrorist attack on a vessel in the BAM. However, given the nature of criminal activity in the region, and the fact that RPGs were fired (a Somali pirate modus operandi) an attempt at piracy cannot be entirely ruled out either.