Maritime Incident Report: August 2026
Executive Summary
Our monthly Maritime Incident Report: August 2026 covers maritime security and incidents throughout the Indian Ocean, Europe, West Africa, South East Asia and South America for the period 01/08/26 – 31/08/26.
• Europe. Ukraine and Russia intensified attacks on shipping and port infrastructure as the Black Sea remained Europe’s principal maritime security hotspot, presenting significant risks of direct or collateral attack and port disruption. Ukraine broadened its target criteria to include container and bulk carriers transiting to, or operating in, Russian Black Sea ports.
• The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis continued to enforce their embargo of Saudi energy exports by attacking the Saudi-flagged tanker AMZAN near Yanbu in the Red Sea. Saudi-owned tanker, DAISY, also reported an explosion nearby in the Gulf of Aden. Somali pirates hijacked the tanker SIBU 1 southeast of Mukalla, Yemen.
• The Indian Ocean and Somali Basin. Pirate activity continued close to the Somali coast; the cargo vessel LUTUF was hijacked and held by pirates near Nugaal before it was freed later that month following a combined Turkish and Somali military operation. There will likely be more offshore pirate-related activity as the Southwest monsoon subsides during September.
• The Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Multiple merchant vessels were struck or damaged by projectiles, explosions and other military activity in and around the Strait of Hormuz during August. The US stated that its forces had cleared the Strait of Hormuz of sea mines; Iran disputed these claims and maintained that the Strait remained subject to Iranian control. The US naval blockade of Iranian ports remained in force.
• West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. The Gulf of Guinea remained a medium-risk maritime security environment during August, with events continuing but at historically low levels. An attempted robbery was reported from an offshore support vessel off the Ivory Coast, and a local water taxi was attacked in the Niger Delta.
• Southeast Asia and the South China Sea. Opportunistic criminal activity against vessels at anchor and underway remains a concern; however, for the first time in 2026, there were no reports of ships being boarded in the Singapore Strait. A bulk carrier was boarded by criminals while at anchor at Vang Tau, Vietnam, and another was boarded in Bangladesh.
• Latin America and the Caribbean Sea. The US resumed interdiction activity against narcotics smugglers in the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean. A bulk carrier was boarded by armed robbers in San Nicholas anchorage, Peru, and armed robbers boarded a jack-up rig in the Bay of Campeche and stole items of the rig’s equipment.
1. Regional Report: Europe
Monthly Activity
Escalating Russia-Ukraine activity in the Black Sea dominated the European maritime security picture, with both sides conducting sustained UAV, missile and USV attacks against ports, naval facilities, energy infrastructure and shipping. Russian strikes repeatedly affected Ukrainian ports including Odesa, Chornomorsk, Mykolaiv and the Danube ports, damaging civilian vessels and severely disrupting Black Sea exports, while Ukrainian attacks targeted Russian-linked vessels and Russian-occupied facilities at Novorossiysk, Mariupol and Sevastopol. A notable development was the shift in Ukraine’s target base to include container and bulk carrier vessels in transit and operating in Russian ports. A drone strike damaged MSC ULSAN III near Novorossiysk, prompting MSC to suspend new bookings to the port.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Black Sea. 1 August 2026 – USV attack:
During the early morning, while transiting the Black Sea approximately 130 nm from Novorossiysk, Russia, the containership YANINA was reportedly struck by two USVs and subsequently sank. The vessel was sailing from India to Novorossiysk as part of a regular container service. The Turkish-owned containership DELPHIUS rescued 16 of the 17 crewmembers. The remaining crew member was later located and safely recovered by a Russian Black Sea Fleet naval aviation helicopter. All 17 crewmembers were reported safe.
2. The Black Sea. 3 August 2026 – UAV attackk:
When transiting the Black Sea approximately 20 nm off Novorossiysk, Russia, en route from Novorossiysk to Samsun, Türkiye, the RoRo cargo ship, NADEZHDA, was hit by a UAV. The vessel sustained damage to its living quarters and bow, and a fire broke out onboard. Three crew members were reported wounded. All 22 crew members were safely evacuated to Novorossiysk by Russian maritime units.
3. The Black Sea. 14 August 2026 – Missile attack:
Two unnamed tugboats were reportedly struck by Russian Geran-4 UAVs while operating southwest of Mykolaiv, Ukraine. Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed the tugboats had been escorting cargo vessels carrying weapons to Ukrainian ports. No casualties or pollution were reported.
4. The Black Sea. 16–17 Aug 2026 – UAV attack:
A cargo vessel of unconfirmed name, flying the flag of Togo, was struck by a Russian uncrewed aerial strike while berthed in the port of Odesa, Ukraine. Four people were reported injured. Russia’s Ministry of Defence said its forces had also struck a patrol boat and fuel storage tanks at the port in the same attack.
5. The Black Sea. 17 August 2026 – UAV attack:
The Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier FEHU was struck by an uncrewed aerial vehicle while loading in the port of Novorossiysk, Russia. The strike was part of a wave of drone attacks the same night against shipping at and off Novorossiysk and Tuapse.
6. The Black Sea. 17 August 2026 – UAV attack:
Around mid-day local time, the Liberia-flagged tanker SKIROS came under UAV attack while located off Novorossiysk in the Black Sea. The vessel was struck, and a small fire broke out, which the crew was able to contain; there were no reports of crew injuries. AIS track showed it was bound for the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal.
7. The Black Sea. 17 August 2026 – UAV attack:
The Turkish-operated, San Marino-registered bulk carrier NECIBE was attacked by uncrewed aerial vehicles while loading wheat in the port of Tuapse, Russia. The strike was part of the same night-time wave of drone attacks against shipping at Novorossiysk and Tuapse.
8. The Black Sea. 18 August 2026 – UAV attack:
When underway off Odesa, Ukraine, in the Black Sea, the cargo vessel, ANTONIA S, was reportedly struck by one UAV. The Russian military subsequently released footage purportedly showing the UAV approaching and striking the vessel. Further footage released showed ANTONIA S berthed with smoke emerging from the vessel’s starboard aft section. No information regarding casualties or the extent of damage was reported.
9. The Black Sea. 25 August 2026 – UAV attack:
At an undetermined time, the containership MSC ULSAN III reportedly came under UAV attack while sailing towards Novorossiysk. The extent of damage and crew status remain unknown. Following the incident, MSC reportedly suspended new bookings to and from Novorossiysk.
10. The Black Sea. 25 August 2026 – UAV attack:
While transiting the Black Sea, the cargo vessel SVS JUSTICE was struck by a UAV while sailing from Istanbul to Poti, Georgia, and subsequently turned back towards Istanbul. The vessel was struck again during the evening, damaging its navigation bridge and accommodation block. All crew were reported safe.
11. The Black Sea. 27 August 2026 – Missile attack:
While transiting approximately 60 nm northeast of Constanța, Romania, the cargo vessel PROGRESS IV caught fire following a suspected attack. Romanian rescue vessels and the nearby cargo vessel MOHAMAD B responded. All 12 crew members were rescued, with one reported injured. PROGRESS IV later sank.
Operational Status of Ukraine’s Black Sea Ports
•The Danube ports of Reni, Izmail and Ust-Dunaisk are open with some restrictions.
• Belgorod Dniestrovskiy is open with some restrictions.
• Odesa Port is open.
• Skadovsk port is closed.
• Chornomorsk is reported to be open. Grain export only.
• Yuzhny/Pivdennyi is open.
• The port of Berdyansk is closed.
• Mykolaiv (Olvia) Port is closed. Cargo operations are suspended for commercial operations.
• Mariupol Port is closed. The city is controlled by Russian forces, and the port is reported by the Russian military to be operational but it remains closed according to Ukraine’s Maritime Administration.
• Kherson Port is closed. Cargo operations are suspended for commercial operations.
2. Regional Report: The Red Sea and Gulf Of Aden
Monthly Activity
The maritime security situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden remains elevated, driven by renewed Houthi attacks on commercial shipping and a resurgence of Somali piracy. Houthi missile and projectile activity expanded to targets in government-held areas of Yemen and against ships in the Red Sea following the group’s maritime embargo against Saudi-linked shipping. This included an attempted attack on the tanker DAISY in the Gulf of Aden and a deadly attack on the cargo vessel TIHAMAH near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which killed four crew members and two rescuers. At the same time, Somali pirate groups demonstrated an increasingly capable offshore presence in the Gulf of Aden, culminating in the hijacking of the tanker SIBU 1/SEA MULL east of Al Mukalla and its diversion towards Somalia.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Red Sea. Area of Electronic Interference.
2. The Red Sea. 4 August 2026 – Vessel Attacked:
When transiting approximately 13 nm south of AL HUDAYDAH, Yemen, Red Sea, an Indian-flagged mechanised sailing vessel, FAIZE NOORE OLIYA, was struck by an unknown projectile. The vessel subsequently capsized and sank. All 14 crew members, comprising 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni national, were rescued by Yemeni Coast Guard and naval units and taken to Mokha port. Yemen’s internationally recognised government accused the Houthis of conducting the attack using a waterborne improvised explosive device (WBIED). However, the precise weapon used and responsibility for the attack have not been independently confirmed.
3. The Red Sea. 11 August 2026 – Vessel Attacked:
The Tanzania-flagged small cargo ship TIHAMAH was struck while at anchor 3.3 nautical miles north-east of Perim Island, Yemen, in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Three crew were killed: two Pakistani nationals and one Indonesian national. After the strike, the crew lost control of the ship and were approached by the Yemeni coast guard. Two Yemeni coast guard sources and two government military officials attribute the attack to the Houthis. UKMTO Warning 110-26, informed by local authorities, described only a cargo vessel hit by an unknown projectile off the coast of Al Mokha with casualties, and gave no time of day. The vessel was sailing from Salalah, Oman, via Djibouti and had departed Al Mokha three days earlier. The company listed as the owner and manager is Egyptian. UKMTO placed the incident off Al Mokha; other sources gave the position as anchored off Perim Island, some 37 nautical miles further south. A separate MSCIO alert (92/26) issued the same day describes an attack on a Tanzania-flagged cargo vessel off Al Mokha by drones, reporting seven crew injured and four missing.
4. The Red Sea. 17 August 2026 – Vessel Attacked:
An unmanned cargo ship was struck by multiple unknown projectiles roughly 40 nautical miles southeast of Al Mokha, Yemen. Local authorities report that the damage was severe enough for the vessel to be considered a complete constructive loss. No crew were aboard at the time, so there were no casualties. No exact coordinates have been published; the position recorded here lies on the most direct sea route toward the Bab el-Mandeb approaches, consistent with the reported bearing and distance. The vessel’s identity and the nature of the projectiles have not been confirmed, and authorities are still investigating.
5. The Red Sea. 24 August 2026 – Vessel Attacked:
UKMTO received a report from a Company Security Officer that a tanker had been struck by an unknown projectile 63 nautical miles west of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, starting a fire on the vessel’s main deck. All crew are safe and accounted for, and no environmental impact has been reported. The vessel was identified later as the Saudi-flagged oil tanker AMZAN.
6. The Gulf of Aden. 6th August 2026 – Suspicious Event:
While transiting approximately 95 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen, the Saudi-flagged tanker, DAISY, reported a loud explosion in proximity to the vessel. All the crew were reported as safe and accounted for. No environmental impact was reported. Authorities are investigating the incident.
7. The Gulf of Aden. 20 Aug 2026 – Vessel Hijacked:
A tanker travelling west in the Gulf of Aden broadcast a distress call on VHF channel 16 reporting it had been approached by an unauthorised vessel. UKMTO subsequently confirmed (Warning 118-26 Update 001) that the tanker was boarded by six armed persons who took control of the vessel and redirected it to Somalia; the incident has been reclassified as a hijack. UKMTO describes the incident location as 136 nautical miles east of Al Mukalla, but the true position may lie further to the north-east. The vessel’s name was released later as the Eritrean-flagged SIBU 1, formerly SEA MULL. The vessel’s whereabouts are currently unknown.
3. Regional Report: The Indian Ocean and Somali Basin
Monthly Activity
On 17 August, a Somali Pirate Action Group (PAG) hijacked the Cameroon-flagged cargo vessel LUTUF off the coast of Eyl, Puntland, which was carrying equipment to a Turkish military base in Mogadishu. Reports of a ransom being paid were subsequently circulated; however, verified accounts state the vessel and crew were freed on 27 August following a combined Turkish/Somali military operation. Somali PAG activity is likely to increase as the Southwest Monsoon subsides during September, with improving sea conditions enabling small craft to operate further offshore into the Indian Ocean. The IMO reported on 24 August that six vessels and more than ninety seafarers are currently being held by pirates and armed gangs.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Somali basin. 17 August 2026 – Vessel Hijacked:
The company security officer reported to UKMTO that the Cameroon-flagged cargo vessel LUTUF had been boarded and taken over by eight unauthorised armed persons 4 nautical miles south of Mareeyo (Eyl District), Somalia. The Maritime Security Centre – Indian Ocean and EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta corroborated the report. In an update on 20 August 2026, it was stated that the vessel remained in pirate control and that Turkey was reportedly pressing the suspected Somali pirates to release LUTUF amid wider military tensions in the region. LUTUF was subsequently released following Somali-Turkish action on 27 August.
4. Regional Report: The Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman
Monthly Activity
The regional situation remained highly volatile, driven principally by the continuing US-Iran confrontation and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. Multiple commercial vessels were struck by projectiles or UAVs near the Strait and Omani approaches, including several tankers and a bulk carrier, while the US continued its blockade of Iranian ports and used force against non-compliant shipping. Vessel transit numbers remain low, with the Strait of Hormuz and northern Gulf of Oman remaining the principal maritime security hotspots, with risk reducing further south and east into the Arabian Sea.
Significant Maritime Incidents
1. Arabian Gulf. 3 August 2026 – Vessel Struck:
When transiting approximately 20 nm northeast of Khasab, Strait of Hormuz, the vessel, MINOAN PIONEER, was reportedly hit by an unknown projectile. The incident occurred at approximately the same time as Iranian strikes against a US military base in Kuwait.
2. Arabian Gulf. 8 August 2026 – Vessel Struck:
When transiting approximately 18 nautical miles east of Khasab, Oman, in the Strait of Hormuz, an unnamed vessel was struck by an unknown projectile. The strike caused a fire onboard, which was subsequently extinguished. The vessel and crew were reported safe, and no environmental impact was reported. Authorities are investigating the incident.
3. Arabian Gulf. 13 August 2026 – UAV Attack:
A tanker operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) was struck by an uncrewed aerial vehicle while conducting an outbound transit of the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel sustained minor damage, all crew were reported safe and accounted for, and no environmental impact was reported. This was one of two Abu Dhabi National Oil Company tankers struck in the same attack, at the same reported time and in the same area.
4. Arabian Gulf. 14 August 2026 – Vessel Struck:
When transiting the Strait of Hormuz near Kumzar, Oman, one bulk carrier, NAME UNKNOWN, was struck on the hull by an unidentified projectile. The crew were reported safe. No damage assessment was available, while any environmental impact remained unknown.
5. Arabian Gulf. 18 August 2026 – Vessel Struck:
A vessel’s company security officer reported to UKMTO that the ship had been struck by an unknown projectile while conducting an outbound transit of the Strait of Hormuz. The impact caused damage to the engine room and resulted in a crew casualty; the remaining crew were being assisted by the Omani Coast Guard. No environmental impact had been reported, and authorities were investigating.
6. Arabian Gulf. 21 August 2026 – Vessel Struck:
At approximately 0025 hrs local time, the tanker, METRO VENETIAN, was struck by an unknown projectile 9 nm northeast of Ash Shishah, Oman. The impact damaged the engine room and disabled the vessel. All crew were reported safe; any environmental impact remains unknown.
7. Arabian Gulf. 25 Aug 2026 – Vessel Attacked:
The tanker AL SALAM II was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The impact caused a small hole above the waterline and a minor fire, which was extinguished by the crew. All crew were reported safe, with no environmental impact.
8. Arabian Gulf. 31 August 2026 – Vessel Struck:
While transiting outbound through the Strait of Hormuz, approximately 17 nm east of Khasab, Oman, a tanker was struck by three unknown projectiles. No casualties or environmental impact were reported. Authorities are investigating.
5. Regional Report: West Africa and Gulf of Guinea
Monthly Activity
West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea remained comparatively stable, with no significant resurgence in reported piracy or armed attacks against international commercial shipping identified during the month. Nevertheless, piracy, armed robbery and kidnapping for ransom remained credible underlying threats, particularly in waters associated with Nigeria and the Niger Delta. To emphasise the point, an attempted robbery was reported from an offshore support vessel off the Ivory Coast, a local water taxi was attacked, and several people were abducted in the Niger Delta.
Maritime Incidents
1. Gulf of Guinea. 11 August 2026 – Abduction:
While underway along the Calabar–Oron–Ibaka waterway, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, a passenger boat was intercepted and hijacked by five armed robbers shortly after passing Enwang Community. The boat and its 22 passengers were abducted. Following a coordinated security operation, the boat was recovered at Asak-Ikang Creek, and all 22 passengers were rescued or otherwise accounted for. No ransom was paid.
2. Gulf of Guinea. 16 August 2026 – Attempted Boarding:
An attempted robbery was reported against the offshore support vessel BOURBON EVOLUTION 808 at the Abidjan Inner Anchorage, Ivory Coast, in the vicinity of the Carena shipyard.
6. Regional Report: South East Asia
Monthly Activity
For the first time in 2026, no maritime security incidents were reported in the Singapore Strait. However, the regional information sharing centre, ReCAAP ISC, continues to advise heightened vigilance against opportunistic boarding and theft, particularly from slow-moving vessels at night. Elsewhere, vessels were boarded and robbed while at anchor in Vietnam and in Bangladesh. No incidents were reported in the South China Sea.
Maritime Incidents
1. Vietnam. 22 August 2026 – Boarding and Theft:
While anchored at Vung Tau Anchorage, Vietnam, the cargo vessel YM PIONEER was boarded by an unknown number of robbers. The perpetrators stole some ship’s property and escaped. The crew were reported to be safe.
2. Bangladesh. 10 August 2026 – Boarding and Theft:
An unidentified tanker was boarded while berthed at Chattogram Port, Bangladesh. The crew sighted four perpetrators near the port-side midship store and raised the alarm, causing them to leave the ship. All the crew were reported safe; however, several items were stolen from the store.
6. Regional Report: South America and Caribbean
Monthly Activity
Narcotics trafficking and incidents of robbery against commercial and private vessels continue to be the primary threats in this region. US forces resumed interdictions against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, as a joint US-Ecuador operation intercepted and subsequently sank a trafficking support vessel on 28 August; Colombian forces also seized more than 1.4 tonnes of cocaine from a go-fast vessel off Bolívar. Armed robbers boarded a jack-up rig in the Bay of Campeche and stole items of the rig’s equipment. The Caribbean Safety and Security Network (CSSN) reported three events involving robbery and theft from pleasure craft across the Caribbean; the events took place in Martinique, Grenada and Panama.
Maritime Incidents:
1. The Caribbean. 5 August 2026 – Theft (Panama):
Several yachts were anchored in the Red Frog anchorage. Overnight, thieves stole a Yamaha 15HP outboard from a dinghy lifted in the davits of an occupied and well-lit catamaran. The engine was chain-locked and also through-bolted to the dinghy transom. The galvanised chain was cut, and the bolts were removed. The thieves left the dinghy suspended in the davits.
2. The Caribbean. 11 August 2026 – Multiple Thefts (Grenada):
Between 2230 and 0400, at least four private boats were burgled and ransacked in Mt Harman Bay.
3. The Caribbean. 27 August 2026 – Violent Incident (Martinique):
An English-speaking cruising couple and their dogs were snorkelling in shallow water along a rocky shore south of Plage Anse Tonnoir beach. A man approached on swimming noodles and began yelling at them in French. He left, and 3-4 minutes later a coconut-sized rock was thrown off the adjacent 40 ft. cliff and splashed about 3-5 feet behind their heads. Several larger rocks were thrown by the man who could be seen through the trees by the road. Luckily, none of the rocks struck the couple or the dogs. They quickly gathered the dogs into the dinghy and departed.
4. Mexico. 9 August 2026 – Armed Boarding and Theft:
A pirate group boarded the Jack-Up drilling rig SANDUNGA located off Ciudad Del Carmen, in Campeche Bay, Mexico. Finestra Energia reported that individuals boarded the platform from a coastal vessel. According to the report, security protocols were activated, rig personnel were gathered in a secure area, and access points were closed as a precautionary measure. The relevant maritime authorities were also notified. The Navy conducted surveillance patrols in the vicinity of the facility. The company stated that there were no injuries. Inspections of materials and equipment are currently underway following the discovery that approximately 50 meters of electrical cabling intended for a welding machine was missing.
5. Peru. 9 22 August 2026 – Armed Boarding and Theft:
The crew on an anchored bulk carrier in San Nicholas Anchorage, Peru, noticed two armed robbers near the forecastle store and raised the alarm. The robbers left the scene, and it was discovered that ship’s stores had been stolen.