Container ship fired at, boarded in waters off Yemen: UKMTO

LONDON — A container ship came under fire from a small craft 14 nautical miles off the coast of Yemen, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said. The small boat approached the vessel, opened fire on the crew and then attempted to climb aboard, the agency reported. UKMTO said no further information was immediately available on the identity of those involved or on any possible damage to the ship. An investigation into the incident has been launched, according to the agency. The organization issued a warning to vessels transiting the area, urging them to exercise extreme caution and to report any suspicious activity immediately. UKMTO said security advisories remain in place for the sea lanes, which are considered critical to global trade. Maritime routes off Yemen have been the focus of heightened international scrutiny in recent months following a series of security incidents in the region.