Suspected Somali pirates seize chemical tanker in Gulf of Aden

Armed assailants are believed to have boarded the chemical tanker Asana in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen's southern coast and taken control of the vessel, maritime security sources said, in an incident that appears to be linked to Somali piracy rather than regional conflict, Reuters reports.

Ship-tracking data showed the small tanker, which had no confirmed flag, was en route to the Somali port of Bosaso.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said a vessel was boarded by unauthorized personnel while transiting east through the Gulf of Aden, approximately 65 nautical miles south of Yemen's Al Mukalla port.

"Details regarding the number of assailants, the circumstances of the boarding, and the status of the vessel and crew remain unclear," British maritime risk management company Vanguard said.

According to British maritime security firm Ambrey, the vessel issued a distress call at around 0620 GMT and was not carrying an armed security team when the incident occurred. The company said the attackers were suspected to be part of a pirate action group.

One maritime security source said that initial assessments suggested the boarding was "related to Somali piracy rather than Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi militia."

A South Korean warship has been dispatched to the area, according to an official at Greek maritime security company Diaplous, as efforts continue to assess the situation and monitor the vessel.

Shipping databases list the vessel's operator as Marshall Islands-based Exon Energy. The company could not immediately be reached for comment.

By Vafa Guliyeva