Incident Report on Suspicious Activity in Bab al Mandab

This document is an incident report detailing suspicious activity reported by the Master of the M/V S LINE on November 9, 2024. The vessel was approached via VHF radio by an individual claiming to represent Yemeni authorities, warning against transiting the Bab al Mandab due to potential targeting. The report outlines the vessel's actions, including turning off its AIS and awaiting further guidance. The JMIC has conducted an investigation and identified an indirect association with Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. Recommendations for vessels transiting the area include maintaining vigilance, conducting threat assessments, and considering security measures such as turning off non-essential emissions. The report emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activities to UKMTO and provides guidance on responding to unrecognized communications. It also addresses the potential risks associated with vessels linked to specific nations and suggests best management practices for maritime operations in the region.