Oil Tanker Seized by Somali Pirates Near Yemen, Headed Toward Somali Waters
An oil tanker has been hijacked by Somali pirates off the coast of Yemen and is now being steered toward Somalia, according to Somali security officials.
The vessel, identified as the MT Eureka, was reportedly overtaken by armed men in the Gulf of Aden near the Yemeni port of Qana early this morning. The ship, which sails under the flag of Togo, was seized at approximately 05:00 local time.
Officials from the semi-autonomous Puntland region say the attackers launched their operation from a remote coastal area near the town of Qandala. The tanker is currently navigating between Yemen and Somalia and is expected to anchor in Somali waters within hours.
This marks the second oil tanker hijacking in the region within 10 days. On April 22, Somali pirates seized another vessel, the Honor 25, which was carrying 18,500 barrels of oil bound for Mogadishu.
In a separate incident, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a bulk carrier was approached by armed individuals in a skiff near Al-Mukala, Yemen, on Friday. Security sources indicate those attackers departed from near the coastal town of Caluula, about 209km from the launch point of the MT Eureka hijacking.
The incidents suggest a growing spread of piracy along Somalia’s extensive coastline, the longest in mainland Africa. Today’s घटना marks the fourth successful hijacking in the past two weeks.
Authorities in Somalia and the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), responsible for anti-piracy operations in the region, have yet to comment on the latest attack.
After years of decline since 2011, Somali piracy has resurged since late 2023. Analysts link the increase to regional instability, including attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea by Houthi rebels, which have diverted international naval resources.
Security officials warn that pirate activity is becoming more widespread along the coast, raising concerns over maritime safety in the region.
