London, May 22 -- An incident involving a suspicious approach toward an oil tanker has been reported in the waters near Yemen, prompting an investigation by maritime authorities, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency,

The event transpired 98 nautical miles (181km) north of Yemen's Socotra island, it said.

The security alert was raised after the oil tanker confirmed it had been approached by a small craft carrying five people on board.

The encounter escalated briefly, requiring a defensive response from the ship's onboard protection details to deter the approaching boat.

"The vessels Armed Security Team fired warning shots at the small craft which forced them to alter course," said UKMTO, adding that ...