Somali Pirates Hijack Oil Tanker Off Yemen Coast

Somali pirates seize oil tanker in Gulf of Aden, marking fourth hijacking in two weeks amid rising maritime insecurity.

Somali pirates have hijacked an oil tanker off the coast of Yemen, with the vessel now moving towards Somalia, according to security officials.

Officials said the tanker, identified as MT Eureka, was seized in the Gulf of Aden near the port of Qana in the early hours.

The Yemeni coastguard said the ship was taken at about 05:00 local time and is expected to anchor in Somali waters.

Security officials in Puntland said the attackers departed from coastal areas near Qandala before intercepting the vessel.

The hijacking follows another incident earlier in April involving the tanker Honor 25, which was carrying 18,500 barrels of oil.

The latest case marks the fourth successful hijacking in two weeks, raising concern about increased activity along Somalia’s coastline.

In a separate report, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said armed individuals approached a bulk carrier near Al-Mukala in Yemen before leaving the area.

Security officials said the group involved in that encounter departed from Caluula, about 209km from where the MT Eureka was seized.

“The on-going crisis with the pirates is much worse than many realise. There are increasing movements (of armed groups) all over the coast,” a Puntland security official said.

Somali piracy had declined in the past decade but has increased since late 2023. Attacks by Houthi fighters in the region have shifted naval focus, leaving gaps along the Somali coast.