In a statement, the UKMTO said it had received a report of an incident approximately 30 nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah.

The agency said the cargo ship had issued a distress alert, reporting that it was under attack by unidentified armed assailants.

“UKMTO has received a report of an incident 30 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah. A cargo vessel has triggered a distress alert stating that they are under attack by unknown armed assailants,” the agency said in a post on X.

The UKMTO said authorities were investigating the incident and advised vessels operating in the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.

No further details regarding the nature of the attack, the identity of the vessel or any casualties were immediately available.