Maritime Incident Report: December 2025
Executive Summary
Our monthly Maritime Incident Report: December 2025 covers maritime security and incidents throughout the Indian Ocean, Europe, West Africa, South East Asia and South America for the period 01/12/25 – 31/12/25.
• Europe: Ukraine and Russia continued to trade blows in the Black Sea region. Commercial ships were targeted by both sides, resulting in damage to ships at sea and in Russian and Ukrainian ports. A suspected Russian ‘Dark Fleet’ vessel was struck by UAVs in the Mediterranean, causing extensive damage. Over 90 irregular migration events occurred across the Mediterranean in December.
• Red Sea and Gulf of Aden: A commercial ship was approached by suspected fishing vessels in the Bab el Mandeb Strait, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The incident prompted the US Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) to release advisory guidance on seasonal fishing activity in the Gulf of Aden, Bab el Mandeb and the Red Sea.
• Indian Ocean and Somali Basin: An Iranian fishing vessel was attacked and a Chinese fishing vessel was reportedly hijacked while operating off the Somali coast, north of Eyl. A commercial ship reported a suspicious approach by up to six skiffs when transiting near Socotra Island.
• The Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman: Iran seized two tankers in the Arabian Sea and a third in the Gulf of Oman, accusing them of smuggling oil products.
• West Africa and Gulf of Guinea: Nine members from the crew of an LNG tanker were abducted off the coast of Equatorial Guinea. Illegal boarding of commercial vessels took place at the Luanda and Soyo anchorages in Angola. Irregular migration events occurred along the West coast of Africa and in the Canary Islands.
• Southeast Asia and South China Sea: Boarding and theft events occurred involving commercial ships transiting the Phillip Channel and the Singapore Strait. A fishing vessel was hijacked off the coast of Bangladesh and China conducted a major military exercise near Taiwan.
• Latin America, South America and the Caribbean Sea: US forces seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela and attacked vessels accused of narcotics smuggling in the eastern Pacific and in the Caribbean Sea. Incidents involving theft from private pleasure craft continue.
1. Regional Report: Europe
Monthly Activity
Ukraine is believed to be responsible for an attack on an Oman-flagged oil tanker in the eastern Mediterranean. The ship was hit by aerial drones and suffered significant damage. Two ships were damaged in a Russian aerial attack on the Danube River port of Remi. At least 2 more ships were hit during Russian attacks on Odesa, Chornomorsk and Mykolaiv ports, and 2 UAVs hit a Turkish-flagged cargo ship after the vessel had left Odesa on route to Egypt. Ukraine struck a Comoros-flagged oil tanker with a USV in the Black Sea, which it believed to be part of the Russian sanctions-busting ‘Dark Fleet’. Ukraine hit port infrastructure in several Russian cities, and commercial vessels were reported to have received collateral damage in Temryuk, Taman, Novorossiysk, and Tuapse. Approximately 90 Irregular migration events occurred across the Mediterranean Sea, including in Spain, Tunisia, Libya, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, resulting in the interception of an estimated 3,500 migrants. In some cases, commercial vessels have been called upon to assist in rescue operations.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Black Sea. 10 December 2025:
When transiting at about 85 nm north of Sinop, Turkey, in the Black Sea, the Gambian-flagged tanker DASHAN was attacked by at least one unmanned explosive speed boat (USV). Ukraine is understood to be behind the attack. The vessel was believed to be operating as part of Russia’s shadow fleet, which circumvents oil sanctions.
2. The Black Sea. 13 December 2025:
When transiting from Odessa, Ukraine, to Egypt, the tanker, VIVA, was hit by one Russian UAV. 11 Turkish crew members were uninjured during the attack. The tanker was loaded with sunflower oil. The vessel was struck in the accommodation block area. Some reports disclosed that the vessel was targeted with two UAVs, the second one striking near the bow.
3. The Black Sea. 17 December 2025:
Ukrainian forces attacked the Rostov-on-Don terminal along the Don River. The cargo vessel, VALERY GORCHAKOV, berthed in the terminal, was hit during an attack. Two crew members were killed, and three others were wounded during the attack.
4. The Black Sea. 22 December 2025:
The port of Taman, Russia, was targeted during a Ukrainian military operation. Local residents reported that at least ten explosions could be heard during the attack, followed by a blaze from a “”large fire””. According to reports by local authorities, two ships were damaged but no details about the vessels involved were provided.
5. The Black Sea. 23 December 2025:
Several ports in Ukraine were targeted during a Russian military operation. Ukrainian officials said the Russian military carried out a “massive attack with drones” in the Danube River region south of Odessa. As a result, the Tanzania-flagged general cargo ship ANKA was damaged while alongside in the port of Reni. In Odessa, a Lebanon-flagged bulk carrier was also damaged while alongside.
6. The Black Sea. 25 December 2025:
The port of Temryuk, Russia, was targeted during a Ukrainian military operation. According to reports from local authorities, a fire broke out at two oil product tanks following a drone attack. The Ukrainian military had already attacked the port on 5 December.
7. The Black Sea. 30 December 2025:
It was reported that a Ukrainian drone attack occurred at the port of Tuapse, Russia. Initial reports indicate that the port infrastructure was damaged.
8. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 10 December 2025 – Irregular Migration (Spain):
Five boats carrying 103 migrants of Maghrebi and sub-Saharan origin were rescued off the coasts of Cabrera, Mallorca, and Ibiza.
9. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 11 December 2025 – Irregular Migration (Italy):
116 migrants from North Africa landed on the southern coast of Sardinia aboard eight boats, several of which were intercepted by the Carabinieri.
10. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 12 December 2025 – Irregular Migration (Spain):
42 migrants on two different boats were rescued off the coast of Ibiza
11. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 13 December 2025 – Irregular Migration (Spain):
The Civil Guard rescued 41 irregular migrants off Cartagena’s coast near Monte Cenizas.
12. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 13 December 2025 – Irregular Migration (Italy):
From 11 to 13 December, a total of 130 migrants were taken into custody along the coast of Sardinia. The coastguard rescued five boats carrying between five and 17 migrants each, while the other migrants were taken into custody by the Carabinieri upon their arrival on the beaches.
13. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 15 December 2025 – Irregular Migration (Crete):
91 migrants aboard a boat in distress were rescued by a FRONTEX patrol boat 40 nautical miles south of the Paximadia Islands in Crete. They were disembarked at the Cretan port of Agia Galini and transferred to a reception centre. Among them, two migrants of Sudanese origin, believed to be the smugglers, were arrested.
14. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 17 December 2025 – Irregular Migration (Italy):
Coast guard patrol boats rescued 81 migrants aboard a 12-meter boat off the coast of Lampedusa, where they were disembarked and taken into custody. The migrants, who were Bangladeshi, Egyptian, and Sudanese, are believed to have left Zouara (Libya) on the afternoon of December 16.
15. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 19 December 2025 – Vessel Attacked:
At least two UAVs hit the Oman-flagged oil tanker QENDIL. The tanker received significant damage but remained underway. Ukraine is believed to be behind the attack. The tanker was transiting about 100 nm north of Bayda, Libya, when the attack occurred. The vessel was reported as empty at the time of the attack.
16. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 21 December 2025 – Irregular Migration (Turkey):
Between December 8 and 21, off the coasts of the provinces of Aydın, İzmir, and Muğla, the Turkish coast guard intercepted 14 inflatable boats, at least 10 of which were motorised, carrying a total of 418 migrants, including 58 minors, and six suspected smugglers.
17. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 31 December 2025 – Irregular Migration (Spain):
In just over 24 hours, 153 people were intercepted aboard 7 small boats coming from the Algerian coast.
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 Houthis have not carried out an attack against commercial shipping in the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden since September 2025. While the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza holds, it is unlikely attacks will resume, although the threat remains. There has not been a significant increase in Red Sea passages, but the shipping industry has responded positively, with some larger carriers resuming Suez Canal transits for the first time since December 2023. Increased seasonal fishing activity is believed to be behind an exchange of fire between guards on a ship transiting the Bab el Mandeb after a large group of small craft, believed to be fishermen, approached the vessel. Ships are still experiencing electronic interference in the Red Sea, and GPS jamming and spoofing events continued, particularly off the coast of Sudan.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Red Sea. Electronic Interference:
Electronic Interference with ship’s navigational aid ((GPS) has been reported in the Red Sea in the areas adjacent to Port Sudan and the coast of Saudi Arabia close to the port city of Jeddah. Vessels are reminded to have alternative means of navigation available in case of GPS interference or jamming.
2. The Red Sea. 5 December 2025 – Suspicious Approach (shots fired):
UKMTO reported an incident 15 nm west of Yemen in the Bab el Mandeb Strait. A vessel reported sighting approximately 15 small craft, some of the small craft closed to within a range of 1-2 cables and there was an exchange of fire. The Master confirmed the vessel and all the crew were safe.
3. The Gulf of Aden. 30 December 2025 – Conflict Activity:
Saudi Arabia launched an air attack on Al Mukalla port, Yemen, Aden Gulf. The attack targeted a shipment of weapons and equipment dedicated to Yemeni Transitional Council Forces according to Saudi Arabia.
09/12/25 – Joint Maritime Information Centre Advisory Notice:
Groups of skiffs together may be observed in vicinity of the Bab el Mandeb and engaged in fishing activity. The small craft tuna fishing areas along the yemeni coast and near the Bab el Mandeb are the 5th largest yellowfin tuna fishery in the world. Activity is heavily influenced by Monsoon cycles. In the Gulf of Aden area, which includes the waters near the Bab el Mandeb strait, the most productive fishing season for tuna generally occurs from November to March. Some fisherman operating from skiffs follow larger ships as their wake stirs up the water, bringing small fish to the surface and attracting tuna. Though some of these methods may appear suspicious, ships and security providers should consider these activities as normal pattern of life.
3. Regional Report: The Indian Ocean and Somali Basin
Monthly Activity
Three incidents were reported in this region during December. An Iranian fishing vessel (FV) was attacked by an armed group who attempted to board the ship near Eyl and a Chinese FV was reported to have been hijacked on New Years Eve when operating about 5 nm east of Kulule, Puntland. The incidents raised speculation that the incidents may be linked to a Pirate Action Group preparing to use a FV as a mothership to operate in the Indian Ocean. A commercial ship also reported suspicious behaviour by a group of small boats near Socotra Island.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Indian Ocean. 6 December 2025 – Attempted Boarding:
An Iranian dhow, AL SAFA, with 21 crew onboard reported being approached by a speed boat with 6 armed personnel onboard. The vessel was operating 20 nm east of Eyl in Somalian coast TTW. The vessel was reported to be safe, no clear information about the shooting or attempt boarding were given.
2. The Indian Ocean. 9 December 2025 – Suspicious Approach:
A suspicious approach was reported by a Gabon flagged tanker off Socotra Island, Yemen. Reportedly, an unknown number of perpetrators in 5 – 6 skiffs approached the vessel and maintained position at nine cables. The crew raised the alarm but the skiffs continued shadowing for approximately 45 minutes before aborting the approach.
3. The Indian Ocean. 31 December 2025 – Vessel Hijacked:
The MSCIO reported that a possible hijack of a Chinese fishing vessel had taken place approximately 5 nm off the coast of Kulule, Somalia. No further information was given.
4. Regional Report: The Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman
Monthly Activity
Iranian forces seized an Eswatini-flagged tanker, which it accused of smuggling diesel oil. Later in the month, the Iranians seized two other vessels in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman, which they said combined, were smuggling over 10 million litres of smuggled diesel fuel. Electronic interference remains a safety issue across the region, despite the number of GPS jamming and spoofing incidents reported in the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf decreasing during December.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. 10 December 2025 – Vessel Seized:
Iran seized a products tanker carrying fuel in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader crackdown on the illegal but lucrative trade in subsidized Iranian fuel in the region. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that its naval forces had confiscated an Eswatini-flagged ship carrying 350,000 litres of contraband diesel fuel. The contraband fuel was being illegally transported from Baluchistan to Karachi.
2. The Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. 12 December 2025 – Vessel Seized:
Iranian authorities seized the Liberia flagged vessel ICE ENERGY with 18 crew members and 6,000,000 litres of fuel when transiting the Gulf of Oman near Jask, Iran.
3. The Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. 26 December 2025 – Vessel Seized:
Iranian authorities apprehended 16 crew members and seized a tanker with 4,000,000 litres of fuel off Qeshm, Iran.
5. Regional Report: West Africa and Gulf of Guinea
Monthly Activity
Nine members of the 13-man crew of the Portugal-flagged LPG carrier CGAS SATURN were abducted by pirates 50nm west of Mbini, Equatorial Guinea. The kidnapped crew members were released on 29 December; it is unclear whether a ransom was paid. Four boarding and theft incidents occurred at Angolan ports in December. Nearly 1,400 human migrants were rescued or intercepted during irregular migration events along the Atlantic coast of West Africa, from Gambia to the Canary Islands.
Maritime Incidents
1. Gulf of Guinea. 3 December 2025 – Armed Boarding and Kidnap (Equatorial Guinea):
The LPG Tanker, CGAS SATURN was reported to have been boarded by pirates. The ship was transiting from Owendo anchorage to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, about 25 nm west BATA when the boarding took place. According to initial reports, 9 crew members were abducted and one crewman was wounded during the incident. The crew were released on 29 December.
2. Gulf of Guinea. 7 December 2025 – Armed Boarding (Angola):
An unknown number of perpetrators boarded a vessel while at anchor. They escaped with ship’s stores items.
3. Gulf of Guinea. 7 December 2025 – Armed Boarding (Angola):
A container vessel reported that it was boarded at the Luanda anchorage. A section of razor wire was found cut on the starboard side. Footprints were observed on the deck. The paint locker had been opened and cans of paint had been stolen. No injuries to crew members or further damages to the ship were reported.
4. Gulf of Guinea. 9 December 2025 – Boarding and Theft (Angola):
A vessel was boarded off Soyo anchorage. No reports of any theft was given.
5. Gulf of Guinea. 14 December 2025 – Boarding (Angola):
At Luanda anchorage, two armed intruders were detected by crew members who had illegally boarded the ship through the anchor hawse. After being spotted, the two intruders left the vessel by the anchor. No one was injured and no ships property was taken.
6. The Atlantic Ocean. 9 December 2025– Migration Incident (Senegal):
110 migrants were intercepted by Senegalese police near the village of Diakhanor as their canoe was heading towards the coast.
7. The Atlantic Ocean. 9 December 2025– Migration Incident (Senegal):
The Senegalese Navy rescued a canoe with engine trouble that was adrift off the coast of Dakar with 238 migrants on board. They were taken to the Dakar Naval Base, where they were taken care of.
8. The Atlantic Ocean. 10 December 2025 – Migration Incident (Senegal):
The Senegalese navy rescued a cayuco boat carrying 144 migrants about 20 nm off the coast of Dakar. They were taken to the Dakar naval base where they were taken into custody.
9. The Atlantic Ocean. 12 December 2025 – Migration Incident (Senegal):
In coordination with the National Fire Brigade, the Air and Border Police Directorate and the National Division for Combating Migrant Trafficking, the Senegalese navy rescued a cayuco carrying 96 migrants off the coast of Saint Louis.
10. The Atlantic Ocean. 28 December 2025 – Migration Incident (Canary Islands):
The Guardia Civil patrol boat RIO TAJO 6 intercepted a boat carrying 21 migrants 19 nm south of the island of El Hierro, the boat was escorted to the port of La Restinga by the ship.
11. The Atlantic Ocean. 29 December 2025 – Migration Incident (Senegal):
The Senegalese navy rescued a cayuco carrying 82 migrants about 50 nautical miles off the coast of Dakar. They were disembarked at the Dakar naval base.
12. The Atlantic Ocean. 29 December 2025 – Migration Incident (Canary Islands):
The Spanish Maritime Rescue Service intercepted two boats carrying a total of 403 migrants near the island of El Hierro.
13. The Atlantic Ocean. 30 December 2025 – Migration Incident (Canary Islands):
A small boat carrying migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa arrived at the Port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife. There were 26 men, three women, and four children on board.
14. The Atlantic Ocean. 31 December 2025 – Migration Incident (The Gambia):
A cayuco boat carrying more than 200 migrants sank off the coast of Jinack Island in northwestern Gambia shortly after leaving the coast in an attempt to reach the Canary Islands.
6. Regional Report: South East Asia
Monthly Activity
Boarding and theft from commercial ships in the Philip Channel and Singapore Strait continue, albeit at a lower rate than earlier in 2025. At least five incidents were reported in December. Elsewhere, armed robbers boarded a ship in the Pulau Tangkil anchorage in Indonesia, and in Bangladesh, the crew of a fishing vessel and their catch were taken by a gang of criminals. The robbers escaped when the coast guard approached the vessel. China conducted a major military exercise in the waters surrounding Taiwan.
Maritime Incidents
1. Singapore Strait. 13 December 2025 – Boarding and Theft:
The crew of a tug spotted two sampans alongside the barge it was towing with 15 to 20 persons transferring scrap metal from the barge to the sampans. The perpetrators left the scene, and the tug master reported the incident to Singapore VTIS Central.
2. Singapore Strait. 15 December 2025 – Armed Boarding:
An incident of attempted robbery was reported onboard the Liberia flagged bulk carrier BULK SYDNEY in the Phillip Channel, Singapore Strait. Reportedly, four perpetrators armed with knives boarded the vessel while underway and were sighted in the steering gear compartment. The robbers escaped after ship’s crew raised the alarm. Nothing was stolen. All the crew members were reported to be safe.
3. Singapore Strait. 17 December 2025 – Armed Boarding and Theft:
An unauthorised boarding involving a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier was reported as the vessel transited the Phillip Channel, Singapore. The crew reportedly sighted three perpetrators armed with batons in the engine room. The ship’s master reported that all crew are safe and accounted for and nothing was reported stolen.
4. Singapore Strait. 21 December 2025 – Boarding:
An unauthorised boarding involving a Malaysia-flagged tugboat towing a barge, was reported when the ship was transiting in the westbound Lane of TSS, Singapore Strait. The ship’s master reportedly sighted two sampans and four perpetrators alongside and onboard the barge.
5. Singapore Strait. 25 December 2025 – Boarding:
A tug which was towing a barge reported that the barge it was towing was boarded in the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait.
6. Indonesia. 22 December 2025 – Armed Boarding and Theft:
An unnamed vessel which was anchored at Tangkil Island anchorage, Indonesia, reported a boarding. The crew on routine rounds spotted ropes attached with the hooks on the poop deck railings and immediately informed the OOW. The Alarm was raised and crew mustered. Four robbers armed with knives were seen escaping with stolen engine spares. The incident reported to the port authorities through the local agent.
7. Bangladesh. 5 December 2025 – Boarding:
The fishing vessel MAYER DOA 3, was boarded by sea robbers when operating off Cox’s Bazar, in an area adjacent to Sonadia channel, Bangladesh. The robbers took the fishermen onboard along with the fish, food, engine, battery and others equipment. The Coast Guard came to support the fishing vessel but the robbers escaped.
8. The Taiwan Strait. 29-30 December 2025 – Military Activity:
China conducted a large-scale military exercise around the Island of Taiwan involving air and naval assets. This was the eighth major military drill held around Taiwan since the beginning of the fourth Taiwan Strait Crisis in August 2022.
6. Regional Report: South America and Caribbean
Monthly Activity
The US continued its operations under the banner of Operation Southern Spear. US assets seized a sanctioned oil tanker and carried out air and sea strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, alleging they are carrying drugs, as part of a declared war on “narco-terrorism.” The Caribbean Safety and Security Network (CSSN) reported five incidents of equipment and pleasure craft robbery across the Caribbean Sea in December. Events took place across the region, including Martinique, Panama, Trinidad and Saint Lucia.
Maritime Incidents:
1. The Caribbean. 4 December 2025 – Theft (Aruba):
In the early morning an in-the-water and not locked dinghy/outboard was stolen from an occupied yacht anchored near Malmok. The painter was cut. A police report was made.
2. The Caribbean. 10 December 2025 – (Venezuela):
US forces seized the sanctioned oil tanker SKIPPER in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela.
3. The Caribbean. 16 December 2025 – Theft (Panama):
A kayak was pulled up on the small beach, and stolen during daylight hours.
4. The Caribbean. 28 December 2025 – Theft (Martinique):
A dinghy was stolen overnight from a yacht in the Le Marin anchorage.
5. The Caribbean. 28 December 2025 – Theft (St Lucia):
Overnight an in-the-water and locked dinghy was stolen from a yacht berthed in the Rodney Bay marina. Another yacht in another section of the marina was similarly affected both dinghies were found the next day in other parts of the marina.
6. The Caribbean. 31 December 2025 – Theft (Martinique):
The owners of a yacht anchored near La Bateliere, Fort de France, Martinique awoke to find their dinghy and 15HP outboard had been stolen overnight. A report was made to the police.
7. The Eastern Pacific. 16 December 2025 – Narcotics Smuggling Event:
The US Southern Command stated that its forces carried out a strike against a boat that was allegedly used to smuggle drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The statement noted that one person on the boat was killed. It also included a video which showed splashes of water near the side of the boat, followed by a second salvo which resulted in the boat catching fire. No further details regarding the time or the location of the incident were provided.