NHK has learned that a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer in the Gulf of Aden veered away at almost full speed after receiving information that ballistic missiles had been fired toward the area.

The destroyer Akebono and patrol aircraft were responding to Sunday's seizure of a tanker by armed individuals believed to be Somalis.

The Akebono is on an anti-piracy mission in the gulf.

The MSDF revealed on Tuesday that it received information from the US military about the missile launch while its ship was operating with a US destroyer.

The MSDF also said the missiles fell about 18 kilometers from Akebono.

Sources say the vessel left the area at up to 55 kilometers per hour, almost its maximum speed.

The MarineTraffic website also shows the Akebono suddenly heading south at up to 55 kilometers, or over 30 knots, per hour, on Monday at around 2:15 a.m., Yemen time.

The vessel was staying in waters about 110 kilometers southwest of the Yemeni city of Aden before the move.

The US Defense Department has said two ballistic missiles were fired on Monday at around 1:45 a.m., Yemen time, from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.

The Akebono is believed to have left the waters about 30 minutes later.

The MSDF says there was no threat to the safety of the ship, and the vessel will continue its anti-piracy activities in the Gulf of Aden.