UKMTO says vessel attacked off Yemen; security firm reports attempted boarding

(Reuters) -A vessel has been attacked 34 nautical miles (63 km) south west of Yemen’s Hodeidah, the UK Maritime Commerce Organisation (UKMTO) reported on its web site on Thursday, including an investigation is underway.

British maritime safety firm Ambrey Intelligence stated the incident concerned a crusing vessel that managed to flee an tried boarding from occupants of skiffs, and that the crew have been reported secure.

It stated the vessel was “possible Hong Kong-flagged,” however didn’t give additional particulars.

A U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet spokesperson informed Reuters the navy is conscious of an incident within the Purple Sea.

(Reporting by Akriti Sharma in Bengaluru, Jonathan Saul in London and Ghaida Ghantous in Dubai; Writing by Alaa Swilam; modifying by John Stonestreet, Toby Chopra and Barbara Lewis)