A merchant bulk carrier has successfully repelled a coordinated pirate attack in the Bab-el-Mandeb off Yemen, highlighting ongoing security risks just as major shipping lines weigh a cautious return to Red Sea and Suez Canal routes. The Bobic reported being approached by around 15 small craft 15 nautical miles west of Yemen on December 5, with some closing to within 1–2 cables before the onboard Armed Security Team exchanged fire and foiled two successive attack waves. AIS data showed the vessel maintained speed, altered course, and later updated its destination status to “Armed Guard Onboard” and “Chinese Crew” as it continued safely to its next port. Another bulk carrier, Globe Aliki, transiting nearby, visually confirmed the presence of small, fishing-type craft but was not targeted. The incident comes amid a gradual restoration of liner services via the Red Sea, including an Ocean Alliance backhaul service returning to Asia through the Suez, while Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd signal they may resume transits once conditions are deemed safe. Despite a Houthi announcement suspending maritime operations in the region and improving Suez Canal traffic figures, maritime security experts warn that risks in the corridor remain suppressed rather than eliminated.