Marine Security Bulletin: 22/2026 - Security Situation in the Southern Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb
23 July 2026
Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Arabian Sea 22/2026
23 July 2026
MARINE SECURITY BULLETIN – 22/2026
Dear Shipowners, Operators and Masters
Subject: Security Situation in the Southern Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb
UKMTO has received a report of an incident at 2000 UTC on 22 July 2026, 70NM southwest of AL SHUQAIQ, Saudi Arabia. The Master of a tanker reports being struck by an unknown projectile which has caused a fire onboard that the crew are currently fighting. There are no reported casualties and no environmental impact. Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO. Please refer to reference (a) for current status of the security situation in the Southern Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb.
Security Level
Liberian flagged vessels transiting the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea are to continue keeping security level 3 and implement all protective measures in their Ship Security Plan. Vessels in the ports of the affected area are required to act upon the security level set by the Designated Authority at those ports but may implement security level measures equivalent to a higher level. In addition, Liberian flagged vessels should avoid calling ports in Yemen. The decision to transit remains at the discretion of the Company, considering the recent targeted attack on a commercial ship perceived as linked to Saudi interests. Liberian flagged vessel, shipowners, operators and masters are highly encouraged to refer to reference (b) for updated information and points of contact prior to navigating through the region.
Recommendations
All vessels should report to the UKMTO and register with the Maritime Security Centre for the Indian Ocean (MSCIO) in accordance with industry BMP (Best Management Practices) and take advice from the coalition forces operating in the area. Best Management Practices for Maritime Security (BMPMS) will continue to provide the necessary guidance for shipping to ensure threat and risk assessments are developed for every voyage to mitigate the risks presented by remaining security threats in the region. The shipping industry will continue to monitor and advise on maritime security threats to assist the safe transit of vessels and seafarers.
UKMTO acts as the primary point of contact for merchant vessels and liaison with military forces in the region. Vessels are encouraged to register with UKMTO and report their positions (By email daily at 08.00 UTC) whilst operating in the area.
The MSCIO is the planning and coordination centre for the EU Naval Forces (EU NAVFOR). MSCIO encourages companies to register their ships’ movements before entering the Voluntary Reporting Area (VRA).
Contact Information
In an emergency, vessels transiting the Arabian Gulf, Straits of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, should contact NAVCENT Battle Watch Phone: +1-813-529-7430, Email: cusnc.bwc.mil@us.navy.mil; Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) Primary Watch Floor Phone: +1-813529-7108, Alternate Mobile Phone: +973- 3986-4800, Email: m-ba-cusnc-ncags@us.navy.mil .
Contact MSCIO prior to transiting the Gulf of Oman, Straits of Hormuz and Arabian Gulf.
The contact details of MSCIO are:
Maritime Security Centre – Indian Ocean (MSCIO) Email postmaster@mscio.eu
Telephone +33 (0) 298 220 220 +33 (0) 298 220 170
Fax +44 1923 958520 Website www.ukmto.org
When transiting the Gulf of Oman, Straits of Hormuz and Arabian Gulf should register their vessels with UKMTO.
Email: watchkeepers@ukmto.org and ukmto@eim.ae
Phone: +44 - 2392-222060, +971-50-552-3215
Fax +44 1923 958520
Please keep LISCR’s Security Department informed of any security incidents at:
Office of the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs
Republic of Liberia
22980 Indian Creek Drive, Suite 200 Dulles, Virginia 20166 USA
D: +1 571 495 5944 / O: +1 703 790 3434 / F: +1 703 790 5655
Email: Security@liscr.com www.liscr.com
