DUBAI/ADEN, Yemen, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- A merchant vessel sailing in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen came under attack on Tuesday, but no casualties were reported, the Dubai-based United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said.
Noting that the incident occurred about 120 nautical miles (roughly 225 km) east of the southern Yemeni port city of Aden, the center said the ship's master reported "a splash and the sound of an explosion" near the vessel at 0320 GMT. However, the vessel and its crew were confirmed safe and have continued their voyage to the next port of call.
While no group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, the center advised other vessels transiting the region to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.
The Gulf of Aden forms part of a vital maritime corridor linking the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. In recent months, the waterway and the neighboring Red Sea have witnessed repeated attacks on commercial shipping, attributed to Yemen's Houthi group, which says its operations are intended to pressure Israel and its allies in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. ■
