Ships escape pirate attacks off the coasts of Somalia & Yemen.

Armed pirate groups have attacked two commercial vessels passing through the Gulf of Aden...

Armed pirate groups have attacked two commercial vessels passing through the Gulf of Aden and the eastern coasts of Somalia, while both vessels managed to escape attempts to seize them.

The cargo ship Greta Star flying the Panama flag was reportedly approached on June 15 by armed men aboard a small boat while it was passing off the southern coast of Yemen, and according to the maritime security company Vanguard Tech, the group opened heavy fire on the ship, but the crew increased the ship's speed and took security measures that prevented it from being seized.

On the other hand, another cargo ship flying the Palau flag was attacked approximately 32 nautical miles south of the area of Hafun in the Bari region, and it was fired upon by pirates who were aboard a boat with up to 12 armed men who ordered it to stop for them to take over, before the private security team aboard the ship made a counteraction that led to its safety.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has stated that it is conducting investigations into these incidents and has warned vessels in the area to exercise extra caution.