It seems that unknown people, who claim to be "Yemen authorities", are trying to threaten vessels in the southern Red Sea, by issuing communications orders, even though their threats are not accompanied by any direct attack on the ships.
The UK Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO), which liaises between the Royal Navy and the merchant shipping industry, issued a new safety alert on Friday, December 8, warning of new efforts by unknown parties in Yemen to disrupt shipping movements. They recommend driving with extra caution while requesting reports of any suspicious activity in the area.
According to the alert, the latest incident occurred late on December 7, when contact was made with an unidentified vessel sailing in the southern Red Sea near the port of Hodeidah in Yemen's Houthi-controlled areas. According to the reports, people claiming to be the "Yemeni authorities" ordered the vessel to "alter course". The vessel appears to have ignored the order and continued without further incident, but UK authorities are warning against this tactic.
This is not the first time this has been reported and so far, there has been no tracking of the commands that were broadcast.
After the three merchant ships were attacked on Sunday, December 3, reports were received that one of the vessels received a similar message that also ordered the vessel to change course. The reports said that in this case, the vessel was attacked because it did not change its course. The owners of the ships that were attacked later issued statements that their vessels suffered no significant damage and were able to continue their voyages.