Securewest International Maritime Assistance Centre (MAC) reported that maritime sector was facing increased security challenges during week 23-29 December 2025, as 17 incidents including drug interdiction, migrant operations, robberies, boardings hijackings and attacks took place worldwide highlighting vulnerabilities across key chokepoints and trade lanes.
Tanker Hijacking Off Iran
On 26 December 2025, an unidentified oil tanker was taken by force off Qeshm, Iran - marking a notable hijacking incident in the region and raising serious energy supply chain concerns as the Strait of Hormuz remains a key conduit for global oil transit. Industry stakeholders are monitoring for any escalation from either state or non-state actors.
This hijacking highlights the ongoing risks in the Persian Gulf region, where geopolitical tensions meet maritime crime. Vessel operators should increase vigilance and implement best management practices within this area of operation.
Attacks on Ukrainian Ports
On December 26th 2025, merchant vessels and port facilities in Mykolaiv, Ukraine came under attack, as did vessels and infrastructure at Reni in Turkey simultaneously. Both incidents disrupted Black Sea trade by placing additional pressure on exports of grains and commodities.
Undercurrent of conflict shows the weaponization of maritime infrastructure; commercial shipping in the region faces elevated risks, leading to calls for strengthened naval protections and alternative routes.
Major Drug Interdictions Worldwide
Authorities achieved notable successes against narcotics smuggling. On 23 December, over 26 kilos of cocaine was interdicted in British Columbia and 53 kilos was seized at Wexford port, Ireland. On 24 December, over 2.7 tons were captured in the Eastern Pacific Ocean with CTF 150 intercepting multiple smugglers in Arabian Sea.
On 29 December, US Forces conducted a kinetic strike against a drug trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific and neutralized any threat it presented, marking intensified multinational efforts to combat drug trafficking via maritime routes that are so essential for maritime trade security.
Incidents Among Migrants and Refugees Swell Proliferatively
Migrant-related events were frequent throughout 2018, particularly in the Mediterranean and off Turkey. On 24 December, two migrant vessels capsized off Mbour, Senegal; Turkish authorities intercepted 34 migrants off Canakkale before rescuing 38 at Izmir and 29 at Aydin on 25 December; 22 were apprehended off Izmir two days later on 28 December.
Shipmasters who encounter distressed vessels should abide by international protocols while prioritizing crew safety.
Robberies and Boardings in Key Straits
Petty crime remained prevalent, with an anchored yacht being stolen in Bocas del Toro, Panama on 25 December and an underway barge boarded in Singapore Strait on that same day. Such acts serve as a stark reminder for operators that robust watchkeeping and anti-boarding measures must be employed at high-risk anchorages and straits.
ReCAAP ISC reports no incidents for early December; nevertheless, maintaining constant vigilance remains key to protecting ourselves against robbery in Southeast Asia.
Broader Context and Implications of Implementing Standards for Safety.
While late December reporting focused heavily on Securewest, early December witnessed shadow fleet pressures in the Black Sea from Ukrainian USVs striking tankers KAIROS and VIRAT near Turkish Straits, as well as limpet mines striking MERSIN off Dakar, Senegal - targeting sanctioned Russian oil exports with multi-domain disruptions.
Kidnapping remains a serious risk in the Gulf of Guinea, with nine crewmembers from CGAS SATURN abducted on 3 December 2025 being among several cases documented recently. Cyber risks also remain present as evidenced in December bulletins regarding vulnerabilities such as Fortinet flaws.
Shipowners, charterers, and insurers facing these events require comprehensive risk analyses encompassing physical, geopolitical, and cyber domains. Collaboration on intelligence sharing efforts as well as adherence to advisories from bodies like CTF 150 and ReCAAP ISC are essential in protecting personnel and assets from further attack.