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A maritime security alert has been issued for the Bab el Mandeb Strait after three separate attempted attacks in close proximity were recorded within just over three hours on 6 February.
Three merchant vessels were approached by attack groups of three, two and then one skiff between 1135 and 1438 local time within approximately 5NM of position 12:46N 43:18E. In each instance vessels successfully evaded attack by increasing speed and carrying out evasive manouvres.
Operators are reminded to proceed with extreme caution through the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. 24 hour watch rotas and general alertness is key to early detection and avoidance of attacks.
