Maritime Incident Report: January 2026
Executive Summary
Our monthly Maritime Incident Report: January 2026 covers maritime security and incidents throughout the Indian Ocean, Europe, West Africa, South East Asia and South America for the period 01/01/26 – 31/01/26.
• Europe: Conflict-related incidents involving commercial ships increased in the Black Sea; however, there was a significant decline in irregular migration events in the Mediterranean Sea region in January due to adverse weather. 400 migrants are believed to have drowned when Cyclone Harry crossed the region.
• Red Sea and Gulf of Aden: Eritrean naval forces fired on a large group of Yemeni fishermen close to its territorial waters. Human migrants originating from Somalia were intercepted off Mukalla, Yemen. Electronic interference with the ship’s navigation aids continued in the Red Sea.
• Indian Ocean and Somali Basin: A ship reported a suspicious approach by a small craft with four persons on board off the coast of Mogadishu.
• The Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman: Iran announced it would carry out a live firing exercise in the Strait of Hormuz. An Aruba-flagged cargo vessel was seized by Iranian forces in the Gulf of Oman, and electronic interference continued in the Strait of Hormuz.
• West Africa and Gulf of Guinea: A Gabon-flagged fishing vessel was hijacked, and nine crew members were abducted off the coast of Gabon. Illegal boardings took place on ships anchored off Tokoradi, Ghana, Abidjan, the Ivory Coast and Luanda, Angola. Irregular migration events occurred off the West coast of Africa and in the Canary Islands.
• Southeast Asia and South China Sea: Two bulk carriers and three barges were boarded and robbed in the Singapore Strait and the Phillip Channel. Five robbery incidents took place in the Philippines.
• Latin America, South America and the Caribbean Sea: The US conducted military operations in Venezuela and detained three ships it suspected of illicit oil trading. A ship reported a suspicious approach off the coast of Ecuador. The Caribbean Safety and Security Network (CSSN) reported at least six incidents involving theft and other criminal activity across the Caribbean in January.
1. Regional Report: Europe
Monthly Activity
The Black Sea remains a highly volatile maritime security environment largely due to spill-over from the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, with commercial vessels targeted by surface drones and unmanned aerial attacks while transiting routes to Ukraine and Russia. Early in the month, a Russia-bound oil tanker, ELBUS, was struck by a drone, forcing it to seek assistance and divert course, though no crew members were harmed. Two ships were hit by UAV drones in the port of Chernomorsk, Ukraine, and port infrastructure was damaged during a Russian attack on Pivdennyi Port. At least five ships were targeted by Ukraine in the approaches to the Russian port and oil terminals of Novorossiysk. The Romanian navy dismantled a sea mine off the coast of Constanta. Human migration events were reduced by adverse weather. Cyclone Harry was thought to be responsible for the disappearance of up to 400 migrants, all presumed dead.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Black Sea. 7 January 2026:
While transiting approximately 30 nm north of Inebolu, Turkey, the tanker ELBUS reported being attacked by a maritime drone. The tanker was in ballast on route from Singapore to Novorossiysk when it experienced an unmanned surface vessel attack targeting the engine room, propeller and rudder units’ area. The tanker requested assistance from the Turkish coastguard and was diverted to Inebolu. No crew casualties or pollution reported. 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. 9 January 2026:
The Comoros-flagged bulk carrier LADONNA was hit in a drone attack at the port of Odesa. The incident took place during loading operations at the Odesa inner port bulk cargo terminal. According to representatives of the port authority, structural damage was noted on the port-side wing. Photographs on social media indicated damage to the ship’s superstructure, lifeboat, upper deck, and inner sections of the accommodation area. There was no official confirmation of casualties or injuries.
3. The Black Sea. 12 January 2026:
Two commercial vessels (One Panama-flagged and one San Marino-flagged) were hit by a UAV in Odesa. One tanker was waiting to dock to load vegetable oil when it was hit by a UAV. There was a fire onboard the vessel with one crew member wounded. The San Marino-flagged cargo vessel, which was loaded with corn, had just started to transit outbound when it was also hit.
4. The Black Sea. 13 January 2026:
The Malta-flagged crude oil tanker MATILDA was hit by two drones in the Black Sea. The incident took place at the port of Novorossiysk, Russia. The vessel reported being struck by two drones while in ballast. No injuries were reported, and the vessel sustained minor damage.
5. The Black Sea. 13 January 2026:
The Liberia-flagged crude oil tanker DELTA HARMONY was reportedly struck in a drone attack in the Black Sea. The incident took place in the approaches to the port of Novorossiysk, Russia. According to reports from Russian sources, the vessel was struck by drones of an unknown type, no injuries were reported.
6. The Black Sea. 13 January 2026:
The Cameroon-flagged crude oil tanker GRUS I was hit in the Black Sea. The incident took place in the approaches to the port of Novorossiysk, Russia. According to reports from Russian sources, the vessel was struck by drones of an unknown type, no injuries were reported. The vessel is reported to be sanctioned for illicit oil transportation.
7. The Black Sea. 13 January 2026:
The Panama-flagged oil tanker BREEZE III was reportedly struck in a drone attack in the Black Sea. The incident took place in the approaches to the port of Novorossiysk, Russia. According to reports from Russian sources, the vessel was struck by drones.
8. The Black Sea. 28 January 2026:
Romanian forces dismantled a floating naval mine at an unknown position near the Midia firing range North of Constanta, Romania.
9. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 07 January 2026 – Irregular Migration (Greece):
Despite poor weather conditions, 44 migrants arrived on Gavdos Island.
10. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 13 January 2026 – Irregular Migration (Italy):
A patrol boat detected a boat carrying 11 migrants, including a baby a few months old, approximately 10 nautical miles south-west of the island of Toro, off the south-west coast of Sardinia.
11. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 14 January 2026 – Irregular Migration (Italy):
A total of 116 migrants disembarked in Lampedusa following two recent rescues by Coast Guard patrol boats. The migrants, from various countries, departed from Zouara, Libya, with most intending to reach Spain or the Netherlands and a few planning to remain in Italy.
12. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 14 January 2026 – Irregular Migration (Spain):
A boat carrying 26 migrants of sub-Saharan origin was rescued southeast of Cala Llombards in southeastern Mallorca, while 13 migrants of North African origin were intercepted on the La Mola peninsula, east of Formentera.
13. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 16 January 2026 – Irregular Migration (Spain):
A total of 288 migrants arrived on the Balearic coast. Five boats carrying sub-Saharan migrants arrived on the islands of Cabrera and Formentera.
14. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 17 January 2026 – Irregular Migration (Italy):
101 migrants rescued off the coast of Pozzallo, Sicily.
15. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 16 January 2026 – 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 January 16.
16. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 21 January 2026 – Irregular Migration (Tunisia):
Nearly 400 migrants disappeared in the Mediterranean Sea during Cyclone Harry.
17. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 22 January 2026 – Irregular Migration (Italy):
The Italian coastguard rescued around 60 migrants, including 22 minors, off the coast of Lampedusa. They were on board a boat that had left Tunisia three days earlier. One of them was pronounced dead upon arrival at the dock. According to statements made by the rescued migrants, two twin sisters of Guinean origin disappeared at sea before the rescue.
18. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 23 January 2026 – Irregular Migration (Greece):
The Greek coast guard pursued a suspicious boat travelling at high speed toward the west coast of the island of Chios. The boat reached a beach, where all the migrants on board disembarked and fled. They were intercepted on land by a police patrol. A total of 37 migrants were taken into custody at the detention centre in Chios. An Iraqi national, identified as the smuggler, was arrested.
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
Yemen accused Eritrean naval forces of carrying out an unprovoked attack on a group of Yemeni fishing vessels, which killed one fisherman and injured others. Ships continue to experience electronic interference in the Red Sea, with GPS jamming and spoofing events persisting, particularly off the coast of Sudan. The Houthis have not carried out an attack against commercial shipping in the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden since September 2025; however, a recent Houthi press release alluded to retaliatory action against commercial ships if the US attacks Iran. This is likely to include US-linked vessels and those operated or owned by countries deemed to be supporting the US. Yemen authorities reported an increase in irregular migration in the Gulf of Aden.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Red Sea. Electronic Interference:
Electronic Interference with the 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 an alternative means of navigation available in case of GPS interference or jamming.
2. The Red Sea. 28 January 2026 – Maritime Incident (shots fired):
The Yemen government condemned an alleged attack carried out by an Eritrean naval patrol against several Yemeni fishermen in the Red Sea. In a statement, a spokesperson said that, according to initial information, an Eritrean patrol had opened fire directly on around 50 Yemeni fishermen while they were fishing, killing one fisherman, injuring several others, and endangering the lives of unarmed civilians. The incident occurred in the waters off the coast of Eritrea. The spokesperson stated that the attack was carried out without warning and that the fishermen were unable to defend themselves.
3. The Gulf of Aden. 17 January 2026 – Irregular Migration:
Yemen authorities apprehended 280 migrants and seized two boats off Radum, Yemen. Reportedly, the migrants were attempting to enter the country illegally by sea.
4. The Gulf of Aden. 24 January 2026 – Irregular Migration:
Yemen authorities apprehended 170 migrants and seized a vessel off Radum, Yemen. Reportedly, the migrants were attempting to enter the country illegally by sea.
5. The Gulf of Aden. 27 January 2026 – Irregular Migration:
Local police authorities in Shabwa Governorate announced the interception of a smuggling boat that arrived on the coast of Mukalla carrying 90 African foreigners. The authorities confirmed that this boat was part of a new wave of irregular migration flows reaching Yemen’s southern coast. The migrants were disembarked upon arrival at the coast, and security forces began documenting the incident and coordinating with the relevant agencies.
3. Regional Report: The Indian Ocean and Somali Basin
Monthly Activity
There has been no further information regarding the fishing vessel, LIAO DONG YU 578, which was seized near the port town of Bandarbeyla in northeastern Somalia at the start of the month. A ship reported a suspicious approach while transiting close to Mogadishu.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Indian Ocean. 30 January 2026 – Suspicious Approach:
A vessel reported was approached to 0.3 nm by a skiff with five people onboard, approximately 30 nm east of Mogadishu. The suspicious skiff continued to match the vessel’s speed and course, even after the vessel changed its course and speed. The skiff followed the ship for 20 minutes before leaving the scene.
4. Regional Report: The Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman
Monthly Activity
Iran announced it would conduct a live-fire exercise in the Strait of Hormuz. The exercise is scheduled for 1-2 February and will impose transit restrictions on commercial ships. Iranian forces seized an Aruba-flagged cargo vessel near Jask in the Gulf of Oman; no reason was given for the seizure. The US has increased its naval presence in the region in response to the Iranian government’s crackdown on demonstrators protesting against the regime. Electronic Interference is likely to rise as tension increases.cember.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. 8 January 2026:
It was reported that an Aruban- flag cargo vessel was boarded and seized by Iranian authorities off Jask, Iran. The ship is believed to be still in Iranian TTW.
5. Regional Report: West Africa and Gulf of Guinea
Monthly Activity
A Gabon-flagged fishing vessel, IB FISH 7, formerly the Chinese FV LIAN PENG YU 828, was hijacked and nine crew taken hostage. Reports suggest the ship was taken to Nigeria after refuelling near Malabo. No reports of any ransom demands have been published. Ships were boarded and items stolen in Tokoradi, Abidjan and Luanda. Nearly 1,500 human migrants were rescued or intercepted during irregular migration events along the Atlantic coast of West Africa, from Senegal to the Canary Islands.
Maritime Incidents
1. Gulf of Guinea. 6 January 2026 – Boarding and Theft (Ivory Coast):
When anchored at Abidjan anchorage, Ivory Coast, the supply vessel BLUE MOMMY reported a boarding. The vessel was reportedly boarded by sea robbers. The perpetrators stole paint boxes. The crew were reported safe.
2. Gulf of Guinea. 7 January 2026 – Boarding and Theft (Ghana):
While anchored at Takoradi anchorage, Ghana, an unnamed tanker reported a boarding. The robbers used the anchor chain to gain access to the vessel. They broke the anchor chain, the hawse pipe guard, and the padlock on the forecastle bosun’s store door. They stole several items of the ship’s equipment. When detected by the ISPS watch, they jumped overboard and escaped.
3. Gulf of Guinea. 11 January 2026 – Armed Boarding and Kidnap (Nigeria):
When transiting from Nigeria to Cameroon, a passenger boat was attacked by criminals on board two speed boats. Cameroon troops acted on a distress call and responded to the attack. The troops pursued the criminals, leading to an exchange of fire during which one of the pirates’ speedboats capsized. The pirates abandoned the 18 passengers and fled into the surrounding creeks, while all the victims were rescued unharmed.
4. Gulf of Guinea. 11 January 2026 – Hijack and Kidnap (Gabon):
When operating 7 nm south-southwest of Ekwata in Gabon, a Gabon-flagged fishing vessel IB FISH 7 (ex- LIAN PENG YU 828) was boarded by armed sea pirates. According to initial reports, the pirates boarded the vessel and abducted 9 crew members (5 Chinese and 4 Indonesians). Local authorities followed the pirates, intercepting telecommunications exchanges that revealed they could not reach Nigeria without refuelling. It appeared that the pirates then established a link with accomplices around Kribi / Cameroon refuelling on 12/13 Jan 2026. The whereabouts of the missing crew is currently unknown, but they are suspected to be in Nigeria.
5. Gulf of Guinea. 20 January 2026 – Armed Boarding and Theft (Angola):
When anchored at Luanda anchorage, Angola, the vessel, LAKE ONTARIO, reported a boarding. A one-armed intruder with a knife was spotted on the forecastle deck. An alarm was raised onboard, making the sea robber escape. After an investigation, it appears that the robber climbed up through the anchor chain. Some vessel’s equipment was stolen. Crew reported safe.
6. The Atlantic Ocean. 9 January 2026 – Migration Incident (Gambia):
The Gambian Minister of the Interior announced that 782 migrants had been intercepted. Three interception operations were conducted across several locations between January 3 and 9. A total of 233 Senegalese, 197 Gambians, 176 Guineans, 148 Malians, and 28 people whose nationality was not disclosed were taken into custody. These operations were launched following the sinking on December 31, 2025, of a cayuco carrying more than 200 people, with at least 31 people dying.
7. The Atlantic Ocean. 16 January 2026 – Migration Incident (Canary Islands):
A boat carrying 143 migrants, including 72 minors, was rescued 14 nautical miles off the coast of La Gomera by the Guardia Civil and Salvamento Marítimo.
8. The Atlantic Ocean. 10 January 2026 – Migration Incident (Senegal):
Acting on intelligence, the territorial brigade of Thiaroye-sur-Mer (a suburb of Dakar) rescued a boat in distress off the coast of Dakar. A total of 61 migrants were rescued.
9. The Atlantic Ocean. 15 January 2026 – Migration Incident (Canary Islands):
A total of 108 people were rescued near El Hierro, and another group was rescued south of Gran Canaria. The latter group included two deceased individuals. The survivors, including 20 women and three minors, were taken to the Arguineguín dock for medical evaluation.
10. The Atlantic Ocean. 16 January 2026 – Migration Incident (Canary Islands):
133 migrants aboard two boats were rescued off the coast of the Canary Islands. In the first case, 25 migrants were rescued 4 nautical miles south of the island of Gran Canaria by Salvamento Maritimo. In the second case, 108 migrants aboard a cayuco in distress in rough sea conditions were rescued by the Salvamento Maritimo rescue vessel approximately 150 nautical miles southeast of the island of El Hierro. On January 16, the Salvamento Marítimo rescue vessel rescued 43 migrants of sub-Saharan origin aboard a cayuco approximately 3 nautical miles southwest of Tenerife. They were escorted to the port of Los Cristianos, where they were taken into the care of the emergency services on shore.
11. The Atlantic Ocean. 28 January 2026 – Migration Incident (Canary Islands):
A group of 97 people of sub-Saharan origin, mostly men, with 19 women and 3 minors, including a baby, were rescued off El Hierro. According to the migrants, the boat departed nine days ago from Brufut, Gambia. The group included migrants from several West African nations, including Gambia, Senegal, Guinea Conakry, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Ivory Coast.
6. Regional Report: South East Asia
Monthly Activity
Boarding and theft from ships in the Phillip Channel and Singapore Strait continue, albeit at a lower rate than earlier in 2025. Five ships reported being boarded in the Singapore Strait during January. Elsewhere, two vessels were boarded off Manila and three others off Batangas City in the Philippines.
Maritime Incidents
1. Singapore Strait. 5 January 2026 – Boarding and Theft:
A barge, towed by a Singapore-flagged tug, was boarded in the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait. An unknown number of perpetrators boarded the barge and stole scrap metal.
2. Singapore Strait. 15 January 2026 – Armed Boarding and Robbery:
An incident of sea robbery was reported onboard a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier in the Singapore Strait. Reportedly, four perpetrators armed with knives boarded the vessel while underway. The perpetrators escaped with engine spares. All crew members were safe.
3. Singapore Strait. 16 January 2026 – Armed Boarding:
It was reported that an unauthorised boarding took place involving a Panama-flagged bulk carrier, as the vessel transited along the Phillip Channel, Singapore Strait. The crew reportedly sighted six perpetrators with knives in the steering gear compartment. The master reported that all crew are safe and was unable to determine if items were stolen.
4. Singapore Strait. 16 January 2026 – Boarding and Theft:
A robbery has occurred on a barge in the Singapore Strait. The master had spotted the perpetrators on board the barge, stealing metal scrap.
5. Singapore Strait. 19 January 2026 – Attempted Boarding:
It has been reported an attempted robbery was reported on board a tug towing a barge whilst underway in the Singapore Strait.
6. The Philippines. 15 January 2026 – Boarding and Theft:
It was reported that unauthorised individuals boarded an anchored bulk carrier in Batangas anchorage and escaped with some of the ship’s items.
7. The Philippines. 16 January 2026 – Boarding and Theft:
Intruders boarded the Panamanian bulk carrier SAKIZAYA WISDOM anchored off Batangas. They fled with the ship’s equipment. The theft was discovered during a patrol by the on-watch crew. The local authorities were notified, and the coastguard conducted a search, but nothing was found.
8. The Philippines. 22 January 2026 – Armed Boarding and Theft:
On 22 Jan 26, an incident of illegal boarding was reported onboard a cargo ship at Batangas Anchorage, Philippines. Reportedly, four perpetrators (one armed with a knife) onboard a motorboat boarded the vessel while at anchor. All four perpetrators were apprehended and the boat was seized by local authorities. All crew members were safe.
9. The Philippines. 25 January 2026 – Boarding and Theft:
An India-flagged container vessel reported a boarding at Manila anchorage, Philippines. According to the report, two perpetrators were observed hiding behind the mooring winches near the front of the vessel. Upon discovery, the perpetrators fled after breaking into the bosun’s store and stealing five drums of paint and some electrical cables. One small craft was seen leaving the vessel, and a rope was found hanging from the vessel’s side. During the event, a second small craft was seen in the vicinity of the vessel suspected of attempting to board as well.
10. The Philippines. 26 January 2026 – Boarding and Theft:
A container vessel reported a robbery at Manila Bay, Philippines. The report stated that at least one perpetrator had boarded the vessel and threatened and locked up a crew member. After a search of the vessel, it was revealed that the intruder had stolen some ships items.
6. Regional Report: South America and Caribbean
Monthly Activity
U.S. forces attacked targets in Venezuela, detaining President Nicholas Maduro. The US also continued boarding ships it said were engaged in illicit oil trading. The Caribbean Safety and Security Network (CSSN) reported five incidents of equipment and pleasure craft robbery across the Caribbean Sea in January. Events occurred across the region, including Trinidad, Virgin Gorda and St. Vincent.
Maritime Incidents:
1. The Caribbean. 5 January 2026 – Theft (Virgin Gorda):
Overnight, a kayak was stolen from a yacht anchored in Trunk Bay, Virgin Gorda. It was well secured with multiple lines.
2. The Caribbean. 7 January 2026 – Conflict Spillover:
US forces report to have boarded an unknown-flagged crude oil tanker at an unknown position in the Caribbean at an unknown time on 07 January 2026. US Southern Command reported that it boarded the vessel in the early morning and that the US Coast Guard is escorting the vessel to a US port.
3. The Caribbean. 9 January 2026 – Conflict Spillover (Trinidad and Tobago):
It was reported that US forces seized a Timor-Leste false-flagged tanker off Trinidad and Tobago. US sources state the tanker has been detained for allegedly being part of the shadow fleet of oil tankers. Reports state the tanker was part of a flotilla that departed Venezuela following the capture of the Venezuelan President on 3rd January 2026. The vessel last reported on AIS on 17th November 2025, with reports indicating she was loaded with oil when departing Venezuela and that she was seized upon returning to the region.
4. The Caribbean. 15 January 2026 – Conflict Spillover (Venezuela):
A Guyana-flagged crude oil tanker was boarded and seized by US forces at an unknown position off the coast of Venezuela.
5. The Caribbean. 16 January 2026 – Theft (St Vincent):
Overnight, a dinghy/outboard was stolen from a yacht anchored in Admiralty Bay.
6. The Caribbean. 16 January 2026 – Theft (Norman Island, BVI):
Overnight, a yacht anchored in The Bight had the fuel tank stolen from its raised dinghy.
7. The Caribbean. 19 January 2026 – Theft (Virgin Gorda):
While the crew were ashore for dinner, a thief boarded their yacht anchored near the Coco Maya restaurant and stole an e-Foil from the upper deck fly-bridge. A police report was made.
8. The Caribbean. 28 January 2026 – Theft (St. Vincent):
Overnight, a dinghy/outboard was stolen from a yacht anchored in Admiralty Bay.
9. The Eastern Pacific. 10 January 2026 – Suspicious Approach (Ecuador):
A merchant vessel reported a suspicious approach about 14 nm to the west of Posorja, Ecuador. The crew observed several skiffs approaching the vessel from the stern of the ship, attempting to board the ship. Boarding was avoided due to evasive manoeuvres; the skiffs followed the vessel for two hours.