Suspected Somali Pirates Hijack Tanzanian-Flagged Tanker Off Yemen

A Tanzanian-flagged commercial tanker has been hijacked by suspected Somali pirates off the coast of Yemen, raising fresh concerns over the resurgence of piracy in one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors. Maritime security officials and local authorities said the vessel, identified as MT ASANA, was seized shortly after departing the Yemeni port of Mukalla and later taken toward Somalia’s northeastern Puntland region.

According to security officials, the tanker was boarded on Friday by seven armed men believed to be Somali pirates while sailing through the Gulf of Aden. After the hijacking, the vessel was reportedly steered toward waters off Caluula in Bari Region, where it is believed to be under the control of the hijackers.

Authorities have not confirmed the number or nationality of the crew members aboard the tanker, and there were no immediate reports of injuries. Officials said efforts were underway to establish communication with those on board and assess the condition of the crew.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) earlier reported that an unidentified tanker had been boarded by unauthorized personnel approximately 26 to 65 nautical miles off Yemen’s coast. A distress signal was transmitted from the vessel, prompting maritime security agencies to issue warnings to commercial ships transiting the Gulf of Aden to remain vigilant.

A South Korean naval vessel operating in the region reportedly responded after receiving the distress call, while Yemeni coast guard units and other international maritime partners began tracking the ship’s movements. However, there has been no confirmation of a rescue operation or direct confrontation with the hijackers.

The Gulf of Aden is a strategic maritime route linking the Red Sea with the Indian Ocean, carrying a significant share of global trade and energy supplies. Any increase in piracy in the area could disrupt commercial shipping, raise insurance costs, and force shipping companies to adopt longer and more expensive routes.

Maritime authorities are continuing to monitor the situation as efforts intensify to determine the condition of the crew and secure the safe release of the vessel. No group has officially claimed responsibility for the hijacking, and negotiations or military intervention had not been announced at the time of reporting.