Maritime

Suspected Pirates Fire on Bulker in Bab el-Mandeb

A bulk carrier transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait was chased and fired on twice by suspected pirates, with onboard guards returning fire. All crew were reported safe in this strategic waterway for oil and gas exports.

Bab el-Mandeb Strait

8, December 2025
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A bulk carrier sailing through the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait came under attack from suspected pirates.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations Center (UKMTO), small boats pursued the ship and then fired in its direction.

The vessel was attacked twice, and armed guards on board returned fire on both occasions.

All crew members were reported safe, and no injuries occurred.

The wider region has recently seen several attacks by Houthi forces linked to the Israel–Hamas conflict, along with an increase in piracy activity originating from Somalia.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Large exports of petroleum and natural gas from the Persian Gulf that use the Suez Canal or the SUMED pipeline pass through this strategic waterway.

Tags: Bab el-Mandeb, bulk carrier, piracy, Red Sea

Editorial Note:
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools to enhance clarity and efficiency.
All information has been reviewed and verified by the HMT News editor.

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