An attempt was made to hijack a tanker about 50 nautical miles southeast of Al-Shihr, a city on Yemen’s Gulf of Aden coast.

Axar.az informs, citing the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center of the British Navy, that the incident was reported in the area.

“An incident 50NM southeast of Al-Shihr, Yemen. The Master of a product tanker reported being approached by a skiff carrying five armed persons who appeared to be attempting to board the vessel," UKMTO stated.

"In response, the vessel conducted evasive manoeuvres and altered course away from the skiff. Vessel is now proceeding to its next port of call. The vessel and crew are reported safe. Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” the statement said.