Somali pirates have seized an oil tanker off the coast of Yemen

Somali pirates have captured an oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden, representing the fourth hijacking in just two weeks as maritime insecurity continues to escalate.

Security officials report that Somali pirates have seized an oil tanker off the coast of Yemen, and the vessel is currently heading for Somalia.

Authorities reported that the tanker, known as MT Eureka, was captured in the Gulf of Aden close to the port of Qana during the early hours.

The Yemeni coast guard reported that the ship was seized around 05:00 local time and is anticipated to dock in Somali waters.

Security officials in Puntland reported that the attackers emerged from coastal regions close to Qandala prior to intercepting the vessel.

The hijacking comes on the heels of a previous incident in April involving the tanker Honor 25, which was transporting 18,500 barrels of oil.

The most recent incident represents the fourth successful hijacking within a fortnight, heightening worries regarding the surge in activity along Somalia’s coastline.

A separate report from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations indicated that armed individuals approached a bulk carrier near Al-Mukala in Yemen before departing the area.

Security officials report that the group involved in that encounter departed Caluula, located approximately 209km from the site of the MT Eureka’s seizure.

“The current crisis with the pirates is far more severe than most people understand.” A Puntland security official stated, “There are increasing movements of armed groups all over the coast.”

In the past decade, Somali piracy had seen a decline; however, there has been a resurgence since late 2023. The recent assaults by Houthi fighters in the region have redirected naval attention, resulting in vulnerabilities along the Somali coast, which have allowed armed groups to exploit the situation and increase their activities in piracy and other criminal enterprises.