UK Maritime Authority Reports 58 Gulf Security Incidents in 3.5 Months

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported 58 security incidents targeting vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz between February 28 and June 15, 2026.

The authority's statistical summary detailed 31 direct attacks, 25 reports of suspicious activity, and two hijacking incidents involving commercial ships and oil tankers in these strategic maritime corridors.

Attacks included the use of unidentified projectiles and drones, as well as small boat incursions involving gunfire. These actions resulted in fires, structural damage to vessels, crew injuries, disappearances, and emergency evacuations in several instances.

Suspicious activities encompassed the approach of boats carrying armed individuals, projectiles landing near ships, explosions, and the transmission of misleading VHF radio communications to alter vessel routes. Unexplained fires in engine rooms were also reported.

The two hijacking incidents occurred off the coast of Somalia, where unauthorized individuals seized cargo ships and directed them toward Somali territorial waters. The incidents were geographically distributed across the coasts of Yemen, Oman, and the UAE, as well as waters near Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Iran, and Somalia, with a notable concentration in the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman, and the Gulf of Aden.

UKMTO warned of potential electronic interference from increased military activity in the region, which could impact navigation, tracking, and communication systems. The authority urged all vessels to exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious activity immediately. Adherence to Best Management Practices (BMP) for maritime security was emphasized to ensure safe navigation and mitigate risks in this critical global trade and energy artery.