‘Unauthorized armed persons’ board merchant ship off Somalia

ISTANBUL

At least five to six “unauthorized armed persons” boarded a merchant vessel off the coast of Somalia, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Thursday.

“Crew mustered in citadel,” UKMTO said in a brief statement, referring to the room on a vessel dedicated for those on board to shelter in case of an attack.

It warned that the ship’s navigational lighting is “limited and is likely to be below minimum anti-collision regulation specification.”

UKMTO advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.