ADEN, Yemen, June 10 (Xinhua) -- A cargo vessel transiting waters off Yemen's southern coast exchanged fire with an armed craft carrying six people, forcing the small boat to withdraw, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Wednesday.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, UKMTO said it had received a report of an incident approximately 88 nautical miles southwest of Balhaf, a coastal area in Yemen's Shabwa province.

According to the report, an exchange of fire subsequently took place between the armed individuals aboard the craft and the vessel's Armed Security Team.

"The small craft turned away following the exchange," UKMTO said, adding that the incident remains under investigation.

No casualties or damage to the vessel were immediately reported.

UKMTO advised vessels operating in the area to exercise caution and promptly report any suspicious activity.

The incident occurred in waters near one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes, where commercial shipping has faced heightened security risks in recent years due to regional instability and piracy-related threats. ■