UKMTO reports armed encounter involving cargo ship off Somalia

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported an incident 83 nautical miles south of Eyl, Somalia, involving a cargo vessel that was approached by two small fishing vessels carrying armed individuals.

One of the vessels closed to within 600 metres of the cargo ship, Caliber.Az reports via UKMTO.

The master of the vessel responded with warning shots, after which the suspicious craft returned fire. The hostile boat then disengaged and moved away from the area.

UKMTO confirmed that all crew members are safe and accounted for following the incident.

Maritime authorities have advised vessels to transit the area with caution and to report any suspicious activity.

An investigation into the incident is currently under way.

By Aghakazim Guliyev