LONDON, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A merchant vessel sustained minor damage to its bridge after being approached by a suspicious small craft in waters south of Yemen's Balhaf on Wednesday, according to alerts issued by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
The incident occurred about 76 nautical miles south of Balhaf, Yemen, the UKMTO said in an initial warning.
According to the vessel's company security officer, a small craft carrying armed personnel approached the merchant vessel. All crew members mustered in the vessel's citadel and were confirmed safe.
In a subsequent update, the UKMTO said further information confirmed that only one suspicious small craft was involved. The craft, carrying four persons on board, was reportedly armed with a rocket-propelled grenade launcher.
The suspicious craft has since departed from the merchant vessel but remains active in the area and could pose a risk to other vessels, the UKMTO said.
The agency added that the merchant vessel sustained minor damage to its bridge during the incident.
An investigation is ongoing, and vessels transiting the area have been advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to the UKMTO.
Maritime security risks have remained elevated in waters near Yemen in recent months amid reports of suspected piracy and other armed maritime activities, prompting repeated security advisories for commercial shipping. ■