Mv-Bobic

The 'Bobik', enroute from Poti to Lianyungang, was under attack 15 nautical miles west of Yemen's coast in pos. 12.726084 N 43.262100 E in the Bab el Mandeb area on Dec 5, 2025. About 15 boats approached the bulk carrier at a range of 1–2 cables on its way from Poti, which had armed guards on bord. The initial attack could be repelled with no casualties in an exchange of fire after the sighting of the small craft, which later left the area. The ship's master reported the crew was safe and that he was continuing the voyage to its next port of call, however, remaining on high alert. Bulk carrier attacked by suspected pirates in Bab el-Mandeb Strait A bulk carrier transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait came under attack early Friday, according to incident reports shared by UKMTO. #MarineTraffic data shows the vessel Bobic maintaining speed while altering course at 03:32 UTC, approximately 14 nautical miles west of Yemen, when the first distress call was issued. The ship reported being approached by up to 15 small craft, prompting its onboard security team to return fire. A second attack followed shortly afterward, involving two skiffs and a suspected mothership several miles away. Another vessel, the 'Globe Aliki', was also transiting the area at the time and crossed paths with the 'Bobik' at 03:35 a.m. UTC. Its crew observed the small boats from about one nautical mile distance, describing them as fishing-type craft. The vessel itself was not targeted. Prior to the incident, AIS data showed that on Dec 3 at 5:55 p.m. UTC, the 'Bobik'’s AIS destination was changed to “Armed Guard Onboard.” On Dec 5 at 05:47 a.m. UTC, the sratus changed again to “Chinese Crew.” Check the vessel’s page: https://okt.to/XS5hTn