Maritime Incident Report: September 2025
Executive Summary
Our monthly Maritime Incident Report: September 2025 covers maritime security and incidents throughout the Indian Ocean, Europe, West Africa, South East Asia and South America for the period 01/09/25 – 30/09/25.
• Europe: In the Black Sea, Ukraine attacked naval vessels in the Russian ports of Novorossiysk and Tuapse using unmanned surface vessels (USV). The Libyan coastguard in the Gulf of Sirte allegedly fired on a migrant rescue vessel. At least 75 human migration events were reported in the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean during September.
• Red Sea and Gulf of Aden: Reports suggest two commercial ships were sunk following Israeli air strikes on Houthi-held port infrastructure. A cargo vessel was attacked and hit by a missile in the Gulf of Aden. GPS interference continues in the central Red Sea region.
• Indian Ocean and Somali Basin: The SW Monsoon has now abated in the Indian Ocean. There will likely be an increase in reports from commercial ships sighting suspicious small boat activity across the region.
• The Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman: Levels of electronic interference in the Arabian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz reduced during September. The region remains relatively quiet following the cessation of hostilities between Iran, the US, and Israel.
• West Africa and Gulf of Guinea: A vessel reported an attempted boarding in Tema anchorage, Ghana, and at least 17 passengers were kidnapped, presumably for ransom, from a water taxi near Calabar in the Niger Delta. Over 650 human migrants were rescued or intercepted in four incidents in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Southeast Asia and South China Sea: Following the arrest of a criminal gang operating in the Singapore Strait in July, there was only one report of criminal activity affecting the area in September. Robbers boarded vessels in ports in Bangladesh, Malaysia and the Philippines.
• Latin America, South America and the Caribbean Sea: The Caribbean Safety and Security Network (CSSN) reported at least twelve incidents of theft from pleasure boats across the Caribbean Sea during September. A Venezuelan drug boat was destroyed by the US military.
1. Regional Report: Europe
Monthly Activity
Ukraine carried out attacks on Russian targets in the ports of Mariupol, Novorossiysk and Tuapse using USV and aerial drones, inflicting damage on Russian naval ships and oil production facilities. After rescuing sixty-six people at sea, the crew of the German-flagged migrant rescue vessel, Sea-Watch 5, claimed that the Libyan coastguard fired shots at the ship at an unknown location in the Gulf of Sirte. This is the second such incident in recent weeks. Elsewhere, over 75 human migration incidents were recorded, with events occurring in Spain, Tunisia, Libya, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, resulting in the interception or rescue of an estimated 3,000 migrants.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Black Sea. 10 September 2025 – Conflict Activity:
Ukraine reported that they have targeted the Russian diving support vessel SPASATEL ILJIN at an unknown position off Novorossiysk, Russia. According to Ukrainian authorities, the vessel was conducting electronic warfare missions in the bay of Novorossiysk when it was targeted. Russian sources report that the vessel’s captain was injured, and the vessel’s electronic equipment sustained damage.
2. The Black Sea. 16 September 2025 – Conflict Activity:
The Port of Tuapse, Russia, was hit by a naval drone strike, which damaged oil export infrastructure.
3. The Black Sea. 19 September 2025 – Conflict Activity:
Several UAVs hit the Russian-held port of Mariupol.
4. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 2 September – Migrant Incident (Italy):
A ship belonging to an NGO evacuated 41 migrants from a platform supply vessel, while an Italian coast guard patrol boat evacuated 53 others. They all disembarked in Lampedusa.
5. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 11 September – Migration Incident (Malta):
The Maltese armed forces rescued 35 migrants aboard a boat 69 nautical miles east of Malta. They were disembarked and taken into care in Valletta.
6. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 12 September – Migration Incident (Spain):
A Civil Guard patrol boat assisted a vessel carrying 17 migrants eight nautical miles off Benidorm in the southeast of the Spanish peninsula. They were disembarked at the port of Alicante, where they were taken into custody.
7. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 14 September 2025 – Migrant Incident (Crete):
Thirty-six migrants were rescued by a Frontex patrol boat south of Gavdos, where they were disembarked and taken into care before being transferred to Crete. On the same day, a Greek coast guard patrol boat rescued a boat in distress with 40 migrants on board, 33 nautical miles south of the port of Lerapetra in southeastern Crete, where they were disembarked. The same evening, two ships deployed by the Frontex agency rescued 199 migrants southeast and southwest of Gavdos as they attempted to reach the island aboard three boats. On the same day, 270 migrants who had managed to reach Gavdos by their own means were intercepted and taken ashore at Korfo beach and the port of Tarave.
8. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 18 – 27 September 2025 – Migrant Incidents (Spain):
A total of 147 migrants, 55 of Maghreb origin and 92 of sub-Saharan origin, reached the coasts of the Balearic archipelago aboard eight boats. They were rescued at sea or intercepted on land and then taken into custody by the Guardia Civil, Salvamento Maritimo, and local police.
9. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 23 September 2025 – Migrant Incident (Italy):
Fourteen migrants of North African origin landed on the beach at Sant’Antioco on Sardinia. They were intercepted on land and then transferred to a reception centre.
10. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 23 September 2025 – Migrant Incident (Spain):
A boat with 13 migrants was discovered eleven miles south of the island of Formentera. A few hours later, in the same location, a boat carrying 24 more migrants was detected. A third boat was later discovered in the same area, also south of Formentera. This boat was carrying 13 people of Maghrebi origin.
11. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 26 September 2025 – Migrant Incident (Greece):
A large-scale rescue operation was carried out in Rhodes after approximately 177 irregular migrants were intercepted on a boat. The migrants, including several children, were transferred to the Central Port Authority of Rhodes and police premises.
12. The Mediterranean and Aegean Sea. 26 September 2025 – Migrant Incident (Libya):
A German-flagged vessel of the NGO Sea Watch rescued 66 migrants, and the Libyan coastguard subsequently fired on the ship. The second incident of its type in a month.
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 Comoros-flagged cargo ship, BELLA A, was reportedly sunk in the port of Hodeida during an Israeli air strike. Another vessel, identified as an LNG tanker, was reported to have sunk in Al Salif port as a result of damage received during another Israeli airstrike. The Dutch-flagged cargo carrier MINERVAGRACHT was struck by a missile in the Gulf of Aden, resulting in the crew abandoning ship. Two crew members were injured during the incident. The Houthis later claimed that the ownership company had other ships operating in Israel. A second incident occurred in the Red Sea, with a ship reporting the sighting of an unknown projectile hitting the sea. The ship reported experiencing severe electronic interference at the time of the incident. According to the Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC), there was a slight decrease in the number of ships experiencing GPS interference in the Red Sea.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Red Sea. September 2025 – Electronic Interference:
The JMIC received corroborating reports from vessels experiencing GPS interference in the Red Sea, with disruptions lasting several hours, affecting navigation systems, and requiring ships to rely on backup methods. Masters who experience disruption to electronic navigation systems (GPS / AIS / Other PNT) anywhere within the UKMTO Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA) are requested to contact UKMTO watchkeepers.
2. The Red Sea. 4 September 2025 – Suspicious Event:
The Master of a vessel reported witnessing an unknown projectile hitting the sea at a distance from the ship when transiting the southern Red Sea 100nm west of Jazan, KSA. Severe electronic interference was also reported. The vessel and crew are safe and proceeding to the next port of call. The incident is under investigation.
3. The Red Sea. 18 September 2025 – Vessel Sunk:
The Comoros-flagged General cargo vessel BELLA A was reportedly sunk at Hodeida, Yemen. According to the report, the vessel was discharging cement at berth number 8 when she suffered damage in relation to an Israeli airstrike. The reports also state that the ship subsequently sank, but there are no reports of casualties.
4. The Red Sea. 26 September 2025 – Vessel sunk:
An LNG tanker was reportedly hit by an Israeli drone attack during the same attack that sunk the BELLA A in the city of Hodeida. It sank on 26 September as a result of a fire that broke out on board on 17 September. No casualties have been reported at this time.
5. The Red Sea. 23 September 2025 – Suspected Attack:
The cargo vessel MINERAGRACHT reported an incident that occurred 120 nautical miles east of Aden. The master of a vessel reported a splash and an explosion in close proximity to the ship. The vessel was undamaged and continued its passage to Djibouti.
6. The Red Sea. 29 September 2025 – Vessel Attacked:
UKMTO received a report from a vessel that witnessed a splash and smoke astern in the distance. Military sources reported later that the general cargo vessel MINERVAGRACHT was hit by a missile 128nm east of Aden, Yemen. The crew carried out firefighting measures and reported that two crew members were injured. The CSO reported a loss of communication and confirmed that the vessel was in ballast condition. The crew was evacuated to a passing merchant vessel and a nearby military warship. The ship was reported to be no longer under command and was drifting. All the crew were transferred to two military warships and evacuated to Djibouti.
3. Regional Report: The Indian Ocean and Somali Basin
Monthly Activity
Now that the Indian Ocean SW Monsoon has abated, the reduced sea state and improved weather conditions may lead to an increase in small boat activity, which is likely to result in more reports of suspected piracy incidents and suspicious behaviour. The risk of attack for vessels transiting near the coast of Somalia remains viable, particularly for foreign fishing vessels operating in Somali waters.
Maritime Incidents
No Incidents to Report.
4. Regional Report: The Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman
Monthly Activity
Relative calm has returned to the region after the end of hostilities between Iran, Israel, and the US. However, 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 September.
Maritime Incidents
1. The Arabian Gulf. 11 September 2025 – Electronic Interference:
An unnamed vessel experienced GPS jamming and spoofing during the entire duration of its transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
5. Regional Report: West Africa and Gulf of Guinea
Monthly Activity
An attempted boarding was reported at the Tema anchorages in Ghana. Two skiffs acting suspiciously approached a vessel, the crew employed BMP-MS procedures, and the skiffs left the scene. In Rivers State, Nigeria, a passenger boat was attacked by armed men who abducted 17 of the 30 passengers, presumed for ransom. Human migration events continued along the Atlantic coast of West Africa, over 650 migrants were rescued in four incidents off the coast of Senegal and in the Canary Islands.
Maritime Incidents
1. Gulf of Guinea. 25 September 2025 – Boarding (Nigeria):
A local passenger boat was attacked in the Calabar area while it was on route from Calabar to Oron in the Niger Delta region. According to media reports, several armed men attacked the boat and abducted 17 of the about 30 passengers. The reports were confirmed by a police spokesperson, who confirmed that the victims had been taken to an unknown location.
2. Gulf of Guinea. 28 September 2025 – Suspicious Activity (Ghana):
A merchant vessel reported an attempted boarding whilst anchored at the Tema anchorage, Ghana. Two skiffs reportedly approached the vessel, and the crew employed BPM procedures. The incident lasted for 25 minutes, and there were no injuries amongst the crew.
3. The Atlantic Ocean. 13 September 2025 – Migration Incident (Canary Islands):
A boat carrying 64 migrants arrived at the port of La Restinga, in El Hierro, in the Canary Islands. The next day, 21 migrants aboard a small boat were detected near the coast of Gran Canaria. They were rescued by the Salvamento Marítimo, which took them to Arguineguín.
4. The Atlantic Ocean. 16 September 2025 – Migration Incident (Senegal):
Senegalese authorities intercepted 112 illegal immigrants aboard a long wooden fishing boat known as a pirogue off the coast of Dakar as they attempted to reach Europe via the Atlantic Ocean migration route.
5. The Atlantic Ocean. 22 September 2025 – Migration Incident (Senegal):
The Senegalese navy, in cooperation with the air force, assisted 259 migrants aboard a boat sailing about 60 nautical miles off the coast of Dakar. They were handed over to the authorities in Dakar.
6. The Atlantic Ocean. 23 September 2025 – Migration Incident (Canary Islands):
On 23 Sept, 198 migrants arrived on El Hierro after a week at sea. The boat was intercepted 16 km off the coast, having set sail from Gambia. On board were 132 men, 47 women, and 19 minors.
6. Regional Report: South East Asia
Monthly Activity
The arrest of a criminal gang in July that had been operating in the Singapore Strait has resulted in a marked reduction in boardings of commercial vessels in the area. There was only one incident reported in the Singapore Strait in September, compared to twenty in June 2025. Reports were received of ships being boarded in Sepangar Bay in Malaysia, Chattogram Anchorage in Bangladesh and a passenger boat was robbed in Barangay Wawa anchorage in the Philippines.
Significant Maritime Incidents
1. Singapore Strait. 29 September 2025 – Boarding and Theft:
An unauthorised boarding involving a Malta-flagged tanker took place as the vessel was transiting the Phillip Channel. Three perpetrators in the engine room tied up one crew member but subsequently escaped unharmed. The perpetrators were seen taking some engine spare parts before leaving the engine room. All crew members were accounted for, with no injuries reported, and some engine parts were stolen.
2. South China Sea. 14 September 2025 – Boarding (Philippines):
When anchored at Barangay Wawa anchorage, Philippines, a Ro-Ro passenger boat reported a boarding by sea robbers. The Captain reported to the Coast Guard station that the suspected robbers were spotted onboard. CGS Batangas and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG) responded immediately to the distress call. While in the area, the Police team intercepted a fishing boat with two people on board. The individuals were found in possession of an emergency generator spare parts, which were initially located on the vessel’s first deck. The two sea robbers were arrested.
3. Malaysia. 10 September 2025 – Boarding:
One person boarded a vessel at the Sepangar Bay anchorage while it was anchored. A duty crew member found one perpetrator onboard at the Port Fwd main deck near the paint store area. The crew member informed the bridge, and the ship’s alarm was sounded. The robber fled and escaped on a small boat. All the crew was reported to be safe. Nothing was stolen.
4. Bangladesh. 17 September 2025 – Boarding:
An unnamed tanker was boarded when anchored in Chattogram anchorage, Bangladesh. The crew spotted four perpetrators boarding the vessel. Perpetrators escaped after the ship’s crew raised the alarm. The crew was reported as safe.
6. Regional Report: South America and Caribbean
Monthly Activity
The Caribbean Safety and Security Network (CSSN) reported at least twelve incidents of theft from pleasure boats across the Caribbean Sea during September. Events took place across the region, including Martinique, Saint Martin and Panama. The US military destroyed an alleged Venezuelan drug vessel, which it said was involved in narcotics smuggling.
Maritime Incidents:
1. The Caribbean. 1 September 2025 – Burglary (Saint Martin):
An unoccupied yacht was burgled and ransacked. Many items were stolen, including lithium batteries, a Honda 6HP-4S outboard motor, a solar panel, and tools. The thieves broke in through the companionway and attempted to conceal their work upon completion. Two additional burglaries were recently discovered in this area during July and August
2. The Caribbean. 2 September 2025 – Narcotics Incident (Venezuela):
The US military destroyed an alleged Venezuelan drug vessel travelling in international waters on the way to the US. Three people were killed in the incident.
3. The Caribbean. 10 September 2025 – Burglary (Panama):
An unoccupied yacht anchored off the marina dock in Linton Bay was burglarised. The thieves broke into the boat via a hatch. Many items were stolen, including electronics, high-value tools, diving gear, fishing gear, Starlink equipment, hand and head lamps, and other boat accessories. A report was made to the marina. A police report will be made when the owner returns.
4. The Caribbean. 13 September 2025 – Attempted Boarding (US Virgin Islands):
The owners of a yacht were awakened by the sounds of someone walking onto their boat. They activated surveillance cameras and then went out to confront the intruder as he began to run away, toward his dinghy, which then quickly departed toward the anchorage. Marina security was called. The burglar was not successful. He was unable to gain access via the well-locked (doors and hatches) yacht. A full report was given to Marina security, police and on the VHF net.
5. The Caribbean. 13 September 2025 – Theft (Panama):
Overnight, a thief cut the lines and stole a lifted dinghy/outboard from the davits of an unoccupied yacht anchored near the marina. It is unknown whether a police report was filed.
6. The Caribbean. 23 September 2025 – Theft (Granada):
Overnight, a dinghy/outboard was stolen from an unoccupied yacht in Mt. Hartman Bay. The thief boarded the yacht and cut the davit lines. The dinghy/outboard and contents were later recovered from the mangroves in lower Woburn Bay, where the outboard was already dismounted but stuck in the mud.
7. The Caribbean. 25 September 2025 – Robbery (Martinique):
Overnight, while the owners were sleeping, their dinghy/outboard was stolen from the St. Pierre anchorage. It is unknown whether a police report was filed.